Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center facts for kids
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Aerial view of part of the Volcani campus
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| Founded | Ben Shemen, Israel (1921) |
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| Founder | Yitzhak Elazari Volcani |
| Headquarters |
Derekh Ha-Makkabim 68, Rishon LeZion
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Israel
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Number of locations
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3 |
| Services | Agricultural research |
| Divisions | 6 |
The Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center (also called the Volcani Center) is a special place in Israel where scientists study farming. It is the main research part of Israel's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. This center helps scientists, students, farmers, and young people learn about agriculture.
The Volcani Center focuses on many areas. These include studying plants, animals, and how to protect crops. They also look at soil, the environment, food science, and farming machines. The organization started in 1921 in Ben Shemen, Israel. It was founded by Yitzhak Elazari Volcani, and the center is named after him.
Contents
History of Agricultural Research in Israel
In 1921, the Jewish Agency created the Agricultural Experiment Station. This was in the village of Ben Shemen. It was led by Yitzhak Elazari Volcani. This station was the first scientific place in the British Mandate of Palestine. It was started because leaders like Chaim Weizmann and Arthur Ruppin saw that farming in Israel needed to improve.
In 1932, the station moved to Rehovot. After Israel was created in 1948, the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture took over in 1951. The station was then called the Agricultural Research Station (ARS). When Yitzhak Volcani passed away in 1951, the organization was renamed the Volcani Center to honor him. In the 1950s, it moved to its current location in Rishon LeZion. By 1971, the ARS became part of the larger Agricultural Research Organization (ARO).
Key Research Areas
Israel does not have a lot of water. Its climate changes from Mediterranean in the north to very dry in the south. Because of these challenges, the ARO's research focuses on:
- Farming in dry areas and on poor soils.
- Using recycled water and salty water for irrigation.
- Growing crops in special protected areas.
- Raising fish in freshwater when water is scarce.
- Stopping crops from being lost to pest control and improving storage.
- Storing seeds in special banks to protect them.
- Developing new types of crops and farm animals. These new types are better suited for tough conditions.
In 2017, UNESCO honored the ARO. They praised the institute for its new ideas in farming research. These ideas help improve food security in dry areas.
How the Organization Works
The Agricultural Research Organization (ARO) has six main institutes. These are located at three different campuses. The institutes study:
- Plant Sciences
- Animal Sciences
- Plant Protection
- Soil, Water, and Environmental Sciences
- Postharvest and Food Sciences (how to keep food fresh)
- Agricultural Engineering (designing farm equipment)
The ARO also has a special lab for testing seeds. This ensures seeds are good for local use and for selling to other countries. There is also a plant gene bank. This bank collects and saves different plant types from Israel. Kidum is a part of the ARO. It helps share the organization's new ideas and technologies with companies.
Special Research Centers
Gilat Center for Dry Land Farming
In 2015, the ARO opened the Gilat Center. This center works on farming in dry and semi-dry areas. It looks for ways to solve problems like climate change, water shortages, and desertification.
Center for Agro-nanotechnology
This center started in 2017. It uses tiny materials and technologies (nanotechnology) to solve problems in food and farming. For example, they develop special coatings to keep food fresh longer. They also create ways to protect plants and food from germs.
Sustainable Model Farm
A special model farm opened in 2018. It is located at the Newe Ya'ar campus. This farm tests and shows how to do sustainable agriculture. This means farming in a way that protects the environment. The farm focuses on using fewer outside resources, creating no waste, and protecting the soil. It also cares for animals and aims to be profitable.
Working with Others
The Agricultural Research Organization works with many different groups. These include other government researchers, farming companies, universities, and farmers. They also work with international organizations and scientists. The ARO gets money from the Israeli government, farmer groups, and private companies. They also get funding from the US and the European Union. Companies that make pesticides, fertilizers, seeds, and farming equipment often invest in the ARO's research.
Learning and Education
The Agricultural Research Organization helps students learn about farming research. Students can get their master's, doctoral, and post-doctoral degrees. They do this by working with the ARO and universities like The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv University.
The ARO also welcomes visiting scientists and researchers from Israel and other countries. They have a special program for up to 40 post-doctoral students from India and China.
The research staff also teach courses to scholars from developing countries. This is done with Israel's Agency for International Development and Cooperation. The Volcani Center also offers courses for farmers from Gaza and the West Bank.
In 1973, a science unit for young people was started. This was with the Israel Ministry of Education. Middle and high school students can join many activities. These include study sessions, special research projects, and science summer camps. They also work on projects that help communities in need.
In 2006, this unit started a special program for young people who need help. It is called The Organic Gardening and Marketing Program. This program gives boys and girls a chance to learn and work in organic gardening and selling produce.
See Also
In Spanish: Instituto Volcani de Investigación Agrícola para niños
- Agricultural research in Israel
- Kibbutz
- Science and technology in Israel
- Benjamin Elazari Volcani
