Cooperation Between Israel
and the State of Texas

Binational foundation grants shared by Texas institutions:

Recipients of grants from U.S.-Israel binational foundations:

Adacom Corp.
Agar Corp.
Baylor Medical School
BMC Software, Inc.
East Texas State University
ElectroCom Automation
Exon Research & Engineering Corp.
G.B.I. International Inc.
Graphic Science Corp.
Harris Adacom Corp.
Microdynamics Inc.
Persys Inc.
Rice
Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research
Texas A&M
Texas A&M Research Foundation
Texas A&M University Citrus Center
Texas Agricultural Experiment Station
Texas Agricultural Research & Extension Station
Texas Tech
Texas Tech Medical School
Tracor Aerospace Inc.
University of Houston
University of Texas
University of Texas Medical Branch
University of Texas Health Science Center
University of Texas SW Medical Branch
University of Texas Medical School
USDA Cropping Systems Research Lab
VTEL Corp.
Wynn's Climate Sys. Inc.

Agreements with Israel

Perhaps the oldest state to state relationship is the Texas-Israel Exchange (TIE), which was created in 1984 to promote mutually beneficial agriculture projects. The agreement was reaffirmed by a new Memorandum of Intent in 1992. In 1994, another agreement was negotiated to create the TIE Fund to support joint agricultural research and development, and foster the expansion of trade. The Texas Legislature enacted legislation providing up to $250,000 for the TIE Fund and Israel agreed to contribute an equal amount. That program was expanded in 1993 and a new Texas-BARD program has been established.

The Texas-Israel Chamber of Commerce is a private, not-for-profit business organization whose aim is to boost the economies of Texas and Israel by helping member companies develop important business relationships with each other and explore new market opportunities. The Chamber is strongly supported by Governor Rick Perry of Texas as well as by Israel's Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Labor because both parties believe there are many opportunities for collaboration, especially in high tech industries.

Partners For Change

The U.S.-Israel relationship is based on the twin pillars of shared values and mutual interests. Given this commonality of interests and beliefs, it should not be surprising that support for Israel is one of the most pronounced and consistent foreign policy values of the American people.

It is more difficult to devise programs that capitalize on the two nations' shared values than their security interests; nevertheless, such programs do exist. In fact, these SHARED VALUE INITIATIVES cover a broad range of areas, including the environment, science and technology, education and health.

Today's interdependent global economy requires that trade policy be developed at the national and state level.

Many states have recognized the opportunity for realizing significant benefits by seeking to increase trade with Israel. No fewer than 23 states, including Texas, have cooperative agreements with Israel.

In 2007, Texas exported over $1 billion worth of manufacturing goods to Israel. The total value of exports since 1996 exceeds $7.7 billion. In addition, Texas companies received $197,015,971 in 2006 for U.S. government-funded military contracts with Israel through the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program (U.S. military assistance to Israel). Israel now ranks as Texas' 30th leading trade partner.

In 2005, the Texas Treasury purchased $2 million in new State of Israel bonds and renewed $2 million in bonds that were scheduled to mature. The purchase of the new bonds and the renewal of the mature bonds will bring the Texas Treasury's total investment in State of Israel bonds to $20 million. Texas began purchasing State of Israel bonds in 1994.

Israel is certainly a place where potential business and trade partners can be found. It can also be a source, however, for innovative programs and ideas for addressing problems facing the citizens of Texas.

Israel, for example, has developed a number of pioneering education programs. One, the Home Instruction Program for Preschool Youngsters, has been praised by President Clinton as “the best preschool program on earth” and replicated throughout the country, including Dallas, El Paso, Austin, Houston, Beaumont and San Antonio.

A range of other exciting approaches to social problems like unemployment, environmental protection and drug abuse have been successfully implemented in Israel and could be imported for the benefit of Americans.

The potential for greater cooperation with Israel for the benefit of Texas is limited only by the imagination.

Texas Firms Profit From Business With Israel

As the only country with free trade agreements with both the United States and the European community, Israel can act as a bridge for international trade between the United States and Europe. Moreover, because of its deep pool of talent, particularly in high-technology areas, Israel provides excellent investment opportunities. Some of the America's largest companies, including IBM, Microsoft, Motorola, Intel and McDonald’s, have found that it is indeed profitable to do business in Israel.

Nearly 300 Texas companies have discovered the benefits of doing business in Israel, including Agar Corporation, CompUSA, Compaq Computer Corporation, Fortune Industries and Bell Helicopters.

ASC Industries has been supplying aircraft parts such as nuts, bolts and screws to Israel for "at least the past seven years," according to Brenda Metzner of ASC's sales department. ASC deals with the Israel Aircraft Industries’ office in New York, which then sends the parts to Israel. Metzner remarked that Israel is a good market. "They are actually easier to deal with than many other countries because they are not as demanding and always seem to find their paperwork, as opposed to some other countries we also do business with."

Malcolm Tallmon, president of Fortune Industries, said that his company has been doing business with Israel for the past 10 to 14 years. In some cases Fortune Industries deals directly with the Israeli government, although it has also had agreements with private firms. At one point, the Israeli government had a contract with the U.S. government and Fortune Industries supplied parts such as aerospace and military specification fasteners. These items are used to hold together parts used on airplanes, missiles and ground support equipment.

Bell Helicopters started selling helicopters to Israel in the 1970s and has been buying electronic components from them since the 1980s. Currently, Bell is selling commercial helicopters to Israeli agencies such as police departments. Don Richardson, Director of Procurement and Subcontract Management for Bell Helicopters, commented, "It's difficult to get started doing business in Israel, but once you establish relationships, it gets easier. The Israelis have a reputation for being tough negotiators, but they're reasonable people to deal with."

One way to break into the Israeli market is through a joint venture with an Israeli company. Funding for such projects is available from the Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation (BIRD). BIRD funds projects in 33 states and the District of Columbia. The United States and Israel established BIRD in 1977 to fund joint U.S.-Israeli teams in the development and subsequent commercialization of innovative, nondefense technological products from which both the Israeli and American companies can expect to derive benefits commensurate with the investments and risks.

Most grant recipients are small businesses involved with software, instrumentation, communications, medical devices and semiconductors.Since its inception, BIRD has funded more than 740 joint high-tech R&D projects through conditional grants totaling more than $210 million. Products developed from these ventures have generated sales of $5 billion, tax revenues of more than $700 million in both countries and created an estimated 20,000 American jobs. Several Texas companies have taken advantage of the BIRD program and shared grants with Israeli companies worth over $2 million.

Microdynamics is the leading supplier of advanced integrated information systems to the worldwide sewn good industry. Microdynamics collaborated with IET Intelligent Electronics Ltd. of Israel to develop new products that address the automation of product development and the pre-production areas that are key components of Quick Response strategies. Microdynamics considers these products to be crucial in effectively addressing consumer and marketplace needs. Resulting from grants awarded in 1992 and 1993 were the GMS 2000, which is a system for maximization of fabric usage in the sewn-goods industry, and the W-6 scheduling software for the apparel industry.

Agar Corporation, manufacturer of industrial measuring control instruments, joined with Galram Technologies Ltd. to create a water/oil instrument.

VTEL Corporation, a teleconferencing service company located in Austin, joined with Accord Communication Ltd. in Israel to create MCU enhancements.

Motorola forged a partnership with the Israeli company Optibase Advanced Systems Ltd. in 1992 and developed a method of image compression and processing for a multimedia chip set.

In 1998, Motorola received another BIRD grant and used it to collaborate with KLA-Tencor Corporation. The organizations worked on an integrated system in-chip implementation of a flash disk in semiconductors.

Harris Adacom Corporation received three BIRD grants in 1988, 1990 and 1991 to create three different products with Adacom Technology Ltd. of Israel. Resulting from these grants were the LG-708, Coax Net and Coax Net Phase III.

Scientific Innovations

Texas researchers are making scientific breakthroughs and developing cutting-edge technologies in joint projects with Israeli scientists supported by the Binational Science Foundation (BSF). BSF was established in 1972 to promote research cooperation between scientists from the United States and Israel. BSF has awarded nearly 3,000 grants, involving more than 2,000 scientists more than 400 institutions in 44 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The University of Texas SW Medical Center, University of Texas, University of Houston, Texas Tech, Rice, Texas A&M and Baylor Medical School are among the Texas institutions that have shared more than $4.4 million with counterparts in Israel through grants awarded by BSF since 1987.

James Patrick, a professor of neuroscience at Baylor Medical School, is conducting research on the nervous system with Hermona Sereq of Hebrew University. They are studying how cells signal each other and the proteins involved in those signals. Nerve gas targets these particular proteins, so this research has potentially important applications for protecting Israelis (and others) against this nonconventional weapon. The BSF grant was only awarded in 1997, so the project is in the early stages. So far the scientists have altered proteins in mice for the experiments. Patrick and Sereq have known each other for 20 years and “BSF helps to maintain better interactions between Baylor and labs in Israel,” said Patrick. He added, “Israel is a little isolated and not necessarily on the normal route of travel when we lecture in Europe so this grant provides for real contacts and travel costs.”

University of Houston chemist Wayne Rabalais has received several BSF grants. In 1996, he was awarded one to study ion beam deposition of film with Yishael Lifshitz of the Atomic Energy Commission in Yavne. This is a specialized method of growing thin microelectronic films used in electronic devices and circuits. “This is just basic research and we really haven’t gotten to the point where we make practical applications or devices. The work we do is then picked up by engineers who make the practical applications,” said Rabalais. “I was interested in collaborating with Lifshitz in Israel and he had a good background and wanted to work with us. He spent one and a half years working with us in Texas and comes back about once a year.” Rabalais added, “We met at a meeting and after talking saw that we had a common interest and decided to develop a joint proposal. I have had a very positive experience and think that the collaboration has helped because we have slightly different expertise so we make different contributions. There is no doubt that we’ve accomplished more together than we would have alone.”

BSF-sponsored studies benefit the United States by extending research resources to achieve milestones that might not otherwise be attainable; introducing novel approaches and techniques that can lead American researchers to move in new directions; confirming, clarifying and intensifying research projects; providing access to Israeli equipment and facilities and early access to Israeli research results that speed American scientific advances. BSF documented no less than 75 new discoveries that probably would not have been possible without foundation-supported collaboration.

A 1999 external economic review took an in depth look at 10 BSF projects. These 10 alone, produced aggregate benefits of $780 million, a figure four times the total expenditure of BARD since its inception (1978). The benefits accrue to the United States, to Israel and to both countries together.

Agriculture Benefits

Improving soils and enhancing animal reproduction are just two examples of joint research projects conducted under the auspices of the Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund. BARD was created in 1978 with equal contributions by the United States and Israel. Since its inception, BARD has funded more than 800 projects in 45 states and the District of Columbia. In 2005, 28 projects were funded at 31 U.S. institutions. New projects promote increased quantity and improved quality of agricultural produce. Texas institutions have shared grants worth more than $7.9 million since 1987.

Seiichi Miyamoto is working to improve the efficiency of reclaiming sodic soils, those that have too much sodium and salts that are bad for crop production. This problem is a global one. Almost one-third of the 240 million hectares of irrigated area in the world are affected by sodium and salt. Miyamoto and his Israeli collaborator at the Volcani Center are experimenting with the use of salt and sodium in vegetation to enhance the process of reclamation. There are conventional methods that involve the use of large amounts of chemical sodium products such as calcium chloride and gypsum, but their goal is to develop an environmentally friendly method. Chemicals used today typically go into the drain water system, and co-mingle with water used in agriculture.

Miyamoto spoke highly of the BARD program. He said it, " has the unique strength of combining basic science and the task on hand. It is an accepted mission-oriented program. As opposed to USDA grants that are mostly for scientific knowledge, this program uses knowledge to solve real problems. In theory, we can develop crops to grow in any type of soil. These are meant to be long term applications. The BARD program is good not just because of the money, but also because the technology they have in Israel is essential." Whatever accomplishments come out of this program can apply to natural resource management in other nations, especially developing countries. "Israel seems to have a better handle over solving real problems and, when dealing with developing countries, we [American scientists] seem to overlook them," Miyamoto added. "The program has been very successful. We don't want to see this funding chopped because then it would be a very sad outcome."

Fuller Bazer is a professor of animal sciences at Texas A&M as well as director of A&M's bioscience and technology center located at the Texas Medical Center. Along with his Israeli colleagues Arieh Gertler of Hebrew University and Elisha Gootwine of the Volcani Center, Bazer is studying reproduction in sheep and applying it to goats and cattle. He is trying to understand how to increase reproductive efficiency and decrease embryonic death losses (40% of all embryos die within the first few weeks after conception). He is specifically trying to identify genes that will increase the chance of survival for the embryos. Thus far, Bazer has been successful in his research. "We have a couple of Israeli graduate students coming to study in our lab and I'm going to Israel to visit. Part of the [BARD] scheme is to have interchanges between the two countries. It is also a mechanism to fund the research done by all three of us," said Bazer. The outcome of this project will be applicable to the U.S., Israel and the rest of the world. The principles learned can also be applied to other livestock species. Bazer added, "This grant has been good. We've exchanged a lot of reagents and ideas."

Texas A&M Professor of Agricultural Engineering Steve Searcy has received several BARD grants. One of the grants was to work with Colman Peleg at the Technion to improve the inspection of fruits and vegetables and to insure good quality at a reasonable price. Although this product is not yet commercialized, it has practical applications. "For example, there are different kinds of apples and no one system is optimized for all of them. We worked on a self-adjusting system to recognize different types of apples," said Searcy. While the Texas lab experimented on apples, the Israelis worked on dates. Peleg is an internationally renowned expert in this field and "the opportunity to work with someone of that stature is great," said Searcy.

Searcy is also using a BARD grant to collaborate with scientists at both the Volcani Center and the Migdal Experimental Station in Israel to reduce nitrogen fertilizer inputs to minimize pollution of ground and surface water. The team is trying to find a way to detect the amount of fertilizer that a plant needs and have that amount released by an applicator, thereby regulating the amount of nitrogen dispensed in accordance with the amount needed by the crop.

Another BARD project Searcy is working on involves the development of a multi-spectral sensor for assessing the nutrient status of crops. Conventional agriculture treats the fields as a single management area, but doesn't account for the variability of the fields (e.g. slopes, different soils). "We're trying to help them manage the field on a more individual basis. We are focusing on corn, but this is applicable to other crops," said Searcy. He added, "We wouldn't do these projects or work with Israelis without BARD. It is critical for cross-fertilization, which I think is a good thing."

Pesticides are crucial to modern agriculture, but they have also caused some rural water resources to become contaminated and that can lead to crop damage. For example, sorghum, a major field crop in Texas is sensitive to bromacil and terbacil, common agricultural herbicides. BARD researchers have developed a new economical procedure for diminishing water-born pesticides using the sun. In the laboratory, scientists tested 69 dye sensitizers that can oxidize pesticides when activated by visible light. They found that these treatments were harmless and permitted normal germination and seed growth. After these lab tests, a prototype was created and the goal of removing injected pesticides by sunlight was successful. In addition, the BARD solar process destroyed 99.9% of bacterial pathogens in the sewage within two hours.

BARD grantees have helped pecan growers all over the American Southwest. After farmers were plagued by the premature death, stunted growth and low yields of pecan trees, BARD grantees from Texas A&M University and the Israel Agriculture Research Organization found that the problem was a soil permeability problem that aggravated the effects of salinity. They developed a series of computerized models, irrigation schedules and recommendations that will prevent such problems in the future. They also developed methods to save the 68,000 acres of pecan trees already planted on inappropriate soils in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. Additionally, they found ways to use pests such as predatory spiders, wasps and green lacewings to control other, more harmful predators that can kill trees and crops.

Texas, one of the country’s largest producers of cotton crop, of which total U.S. production exceeds $5 billion a year, also benefits from BARD research done outside of the state. Joint research resulting from a BARD grant has shaped the way cotton is grown today. BARD grantees from Israel and Mississippi developed and tested a computer model that would reduce the amount of water and fertilizer cotton farmers need to produce their crops. Their research resulted in an invention called COTMOD, which describes how water, soil, fertilizer, and farming practices affect cotton production. The model can also be expanded to predict the fate of pesticides and environmental contaminations. The USDA combined this model with two others and provide it free to American farmers and agricultural consultants. By advising growers, such as those in Texas, on optimal irrigation and fertilization strategies, the system can save farmers an average of about $60 per acre, or $48 per bale.

Texas produces over $100 million worth of potatoes a year. New potato plants are started from the "eyes" of seed potatoes. This method of reproduction allows for the transmission of debilitating viral diseases, such as potato leaf-roll virus (PLRV) from generation to generation, with substantial economic loss. For example, downgrading U.S. Grade #1 potatoes to U.S. Grade #2 means a loss of $400-600 per ton to the farmer. Thus, assuring virus-free seed potatoes is extremely profitable to the industry. BARD grantees improved techniques for extracting useable virus samples from diseased plants. The samples were then injected into rabbits and sheep to stimulate the production of antiviral antibodies. The grantees used their antibodies to develop a test which could detect different strains. The same method used in this process is also used in pregnancy test kits. The new test, both cheaper and more general than its predecessors, is now produced and distributed free to certain agencies. A diagnostic kit is also sold commercially to farmers through a U.S. agricultural firm. The rate of PLRV infections has dropped drastically since the invention of this new test, thanks to BARD sponsored research.

Texas also produces between $400-$600 million worth of wheat a year. BARD scientists have discovered a double stranded RNA virus, which may cause the fungus disease Rhizoctonias solani, which causes the death of young plants, to spread. Researchers also found that one non-virulent strain of the fungus actually protected 93% of wheat seedlings in tests.

Flowers that propagate by bulbs, corns and tubers rather than seeds are particularly susceptible to virus disease. BARD grantees developed highly sensitive tests to detect cucumber mosaic virus, ben yellow mosaic virus and other viral infections in gladiolus. These tests are already being used to produce virus-free breeding stock for Israel and Texas and to develop effective methods for preventing reinfection.

BARD grantees in Georgia have been studying CO2 , a normal component of air, proving that it is a viable non-toxic alternative to the usual gases, phosphine and occasionally methyl bromide, used for the fumigation of stored grains. The old gases can be poisonous to humans, leave toxic residues in stored grain and is believed to cause damage to the ozone layer. These methods are being applied by several commercial firms in the U.S. and Israel and wheat producing states, such as Texas, are likely to benefit.

A team of agricultural economists from the University of Maryland and the University of California found that the economic benefits of just five projects related to cotton, pecans and solarization exceeded all U.S. investment in BARD. New projects promote increased quantity and improved quality of agricultural produce.

In addition, to the projects funded directly by BARD, a new Texas-BARD program was created in 2003 to promote mission oriented, strategic and applied, collaborative agricultural research and development activities conducted jointly by scientists in Texas and Israel. The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), Texas-Israel Exchange Fund (TIE), and BARD are supporting this program, which will focus on efficient use and management of soil and water for agriculture; post harvest food technologies – quality, safety and security; horticulture, field and garden crops – including floriculture and drought tolerance and aquaculture.

It is difficult to break down the impact on a state-by-state basis, but, overall, BARD-sponsored research has generated sales of more than $500 million, tax revenues of more than $100 million and created more than 5,000 American jobs.

Other Cooperative Programs

Texas A&I University is a member of the International Arid Lands Consortium.

The Texas-Israel Exchange Program (TIE) was established in 1991 by Texas Agriculture Commissioner Rick Perry to support and emphasize a transfer of knowledge between Texas and Israeli scientists on improving agricultural and livestock production in arid climates. In addition to agricultural research and development, TIE also aims to improve trade and business relations between Texas and Israel. In 2000, TIE board approved funding for seven projects, granting $250,000 in total. Funding was also provided by Israeli institutions. The grants approved were:

Commercialization of Native Texas and Israeli Medicinal Plants. This project will examine genetic enhancement of echinacea, primrose and matthiola. Extracts from matthhiola and primrose have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Echinacea products are used to treat colds, flu, sore throats and to stimulate the immune system. Commercial production of improved varieties of these three plants could allow Texas and Israeli farmers to participate in an herbal market worth $4 billion in the United States and $7.5 billion in Europe. The research addresses the herbal industry’s difficulties in obtaining plants with consistent concentrations of active ingredients because several key plant species have had almost no genetic improvements. The project received a TIE grant of $48,569 and is based at Texas Tech University in Lubbock.

Using an Israeli Leaf Beetle to Control Salt Cedar in Texas. Insects from Israel will be used to control salt cedar, which consumes large amounts of groundwater, lowers water tables, causes springs to dry up and damages native plant and animal communities. The project will be based at a quarantine facility in Temple to ensure the beetles will not feed or reproduce on non-target plants. The project received a TIE grant of $32,069.

The Suitability of Beefmaster as a Breed in the Middle East. This project will monitor the adaptability of Beefmaster cattle, a breed developed in Texas, to Israeli grazing conditions. If the Beefmaster breed can thrive in Israel, and beef markets are developed in neighboring Middle Eastern countries, Texas and Israel are each estimated to gain $5 million from cattle genetic and beef sales. The project received a $24,294 TIE grant. A herd of registered Beefmaster cattle has been established at the Texas A&M University Agricultural Research Center in San Angelo to serve as a permanent donor base for subsequent embryo transfers.

Subsurface Drip Irrigation Strategies. This project’s objective is to save water, improve quality and maximize yields of major Texas vegetable crops, with a focus on watermelon and onions grown in Texas’ Winter Garden region. Drip irrigation systems can achieve water savings of more than 50 percent compared with conventional ditch irrigation systems. The project received a $47,458 TIE grant and is based at the Texas Agricultural Extension Service at Uvalde and Texas A&M University in College Station.

Improving Irrigation by Controlling Soil Crusting. Many soils in arid and semi-arid regions are structurally unstable and tend to form a seal or hard, concrete-like barrier resulting in water runoff and erosion. Preliminary research has shown that adding small amounts of synthetic polymer may prevent seal formation. A better understanding of how to apply polymers to soil could enhance irrigation water management for Texas and Israeli farmers. The project received a $27,681 TIE grant and is based at Texas Tech University in Lubbock.

Economical Analysis of Using Recycled Wastewater for Irrigation. The project will analyze the most economical ways to reuse wastewater to irrigate crops. The project received a $21,348 TIE grant and is based at the Lower Colorado River Authority in Austin.

Examining Sea Urchin Aquaculture Production. Due to high demand, sea urchin fisheries have been over harvested and natural production is declining worldwide. This project will look at farm fishing sea urchin roe, which is one of the world’s most costly seafood, as a new aquaculture crop for Texas. The project received a $48,581 TIE grant and is based at the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station in Port Aransas.

In 1998, the TIE board approved funding for nine projects, which each received grants for $27,778. Israel agreed to fund four of the projects. Many of these projects will result in substantial economic benefit to both Texas and Israel. The grants approved were:

Evening Primrose Oil and Desert Ornamental Bedding Plants. The project has identified evening primrose species with extremely high concentrations of gamma-linolenic acid. Ultimately, a high-value food supplement capsule can be produced from the gamma-linolenic-rich oil of this drought tolerant, native species. Research has shown that eating a diet rich in essential fatty acids may help reduce the impact of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome and several skin conditions. This highly valuable fatty acid has a more than $30 million U.S. market, which is currently supplied by products imported from Europe, Canada and Asia. An estimated $4.5 million in farm and processing income could be generated on only 500 acres in Texas and Israel. In turn, this could conservatively generate $20 million in retail sales. This project will evaluate 23 wildflower species collected in 1997 for their potential as ornamentals during the 1998 growing season. The project is based at Texas Tech University in Lubbock.

Vegetable Production and Quality with Subsurface and Above-Ground Drip Irrigation Systems. This project’s objective has been to save water, improve quality and maximize yields of major crops (watermelon, spinach and cantaloupe) grown in Texas’ Winter Garden with efficient drip irrigation systems and plant establishment methods. An experiment is planned for the spring of 1998 to determine the effect of irrigation timing on watermelon yield and quality. Another experiment will examine how irrigation systems with varying input levels affect the growth, yield and quality of cantaloupe. A report for cantaloupe growers will be developed from these experiments. The project is based at the Texas Agricultural Extension Service at Uvalde and Texas A&M University.

Controlling Seal Formations in Soil. Many soils in arid and semi-arid regions are structurally unstable and tend to form a seal or hard, concrete-like barrier resulting in water runoff and erosion. Preliminary research has shown that adding small amounts of synthetic polymer may prevent seal formation. The project is evaluating an innovative technology that should allow cotton producers to obtain a better cotton stand. If successful, it is estimated that this project would result in savings to Texas farmers of $72 million. One polymer used in the project also is undergoing development for commercialization. The project is based at Texas Tech University.

Animal Waste Decomposition and Use. The potential for converting, recycling and using animal waste products as a peat moss substitute has been documented in this project. Initial commercial implementation of composting technology developed by this project for dairy farms also has begun. Composted animal products will continue to be evaluated as a greenhouse plant media during 1998. The project is based at East Texas State University.

The Suitability of Beefmaster as a Breed in the Middle East. .

Enhancing Wheat Grain Quality in Texas and Israel to Meet Market Competition. The project is continuing to verify that heat stress during the last phase of grain filling in wheat may reduce dough strength during bread making. The work may open the way for genetic engineering to enhance the quality of wheat grains produced in Texas’ and Israel’s hot climates and help both meet global market competition. Further work will determine the direction and strategy for the genetic improvement of grain quality under hot conditions in Texas. The project is based at Texas Tech University in Lubbock.

Transport of Pollutants in Soil When Irrigating with Sludge. Secondary effluent is a steadily increasing source of irrigation water in the United States’ and Israel’s semi-arid and arid climates. The project’s research data indicated many potential new benefits in the management and use of sludge and effluents in arid zone-urban agriculture. The project also has studied pathogen transport in soils and their survival in aquifers. Further studies will improve general agriculture-urban use recommendations. The project is based at Texas A&M’s Agricultural Experiment Station in El Paso.

Improving Citrus Fruit Size. The research will continue to test the effectiveness of potassium nitrate in sprays and irrigation applications on increasing the size of grapefruit and oranges. Fruit quality improvement is a prerequisite for increasing the exports of Texas and Israeli citrus into the world market. Fruits large enough to be marketed fresh (which provides a much higher return to growers) instead of processed have been produced by this project’s production techniques. The project is based at Texas A&M University Citrus Center.

Using Molecular Genetic Markers to Increase Native Sheep Production Breeds. This research represents the first application of a molecular genetic marker for a major gene in animal production and is expected to lead to increased lamb production. This project’s long-term goal is to produce a flock of sheep that has desirable traits for growth rate and wool production. The Texas Agricultural Extension Service at San Angelo and Texas A&M University in College Station are the primary locations in Texas for the study.

In 1997, the TIE Fund provided $25,000 grants for a number of joint projects including:

• “Utilization of molecular genetic markers in breeding programs aimed at increasing lamb production of native sheep breeds in Israel and Texas” — Texas Agricultural Experiment Station and the Israeli Agriculture Research Organization. (ARO).
• “Commercialization of Israel and Texas plant species as high value crops in arid environments” — Texas Tech and ARO.
• “Organic waste decomposition and utilization” — East Texas State University and ARO.

In 2002, seven grants were awarded totaling $250,000:

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State Contacts

AIPAC
12 Greenway Plaza, #905
Houston, TX 77046
Tel. 713-871-1891

Community Relations Committee
5603 South Braeswood Blvd.
Houston, TX 77096-3999

Israeli Consulate
24 Greenway Plaza
Houston, TX 77046
Tel. 713-627-3780
Fax. 713-627-0149
Email. dep@houston.mfa.gov.il

Jewish Federation Of Austin
11713 Jollyville Rd
Austin, TX 78759-3936
Tel. 512-331-1144

Jewish Fedaration El Paso
405 Wallenberg Dr
El Paso, TX 79912-5605
Tel. 915-584-9365

Jewish Federation of Ft. Worth & Tarrant County
6801 Dan Danciger Rd.
Fort Worth, TX 76133

Jewish Federation Of Galveston County
P.O. Box 146
Galveston, TX 77553
Tel. 409-763-5241

Jewish Federation Greater Dallas
7800 Northaven Rd
Dallas, TX 75230-3226
Tel. 214-369-3313

Jewish Federation Greater Houston
5603 S Braeswood Blvd
Houston, TX 77096-3907
Tel. 713-729-7000

Jewish Federation Of San Antonio
12500 NW Military Highway, Suite 200
San Antonio, TX 78231
Tel. 210-302-6960
Fax 210-408-2332
Email. markfreedman@jfsatx.org
Web. http://www.jfsatx.org/

Texas-Israel Exchange, Dept. of Agriculture
P.O. Box 12847
Austin, TX 78711
Tel. 512-463-8536
Fax. 512-463-1104
Email. sland@agr.state.tx.us