The Negev desert in Israel, where Nevada's governor is looking to visit to share best practices on water and crops. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

JNS.org – In a campaign to revitalize its barren terrain, Nevada is hoping to share best practices on water and crops with Israel.

The desert-heavy U.S. state’s governor, Brian Sandoval, is planning a trip to Israel’s Negev in October to learn more about indoor farming, and how using Israeli technology could rejuvenate Nevada’s lackluster farming industry.

Nevada suffers greatly due to its lack of water or farmable terrain, and has only 40 acres of indoor farming statewide. An estimated $4 billion was spent on importing food for Las Vegas tourists over the last year. Israel, meanwhile, has historically adapted to chronic water shortages.

“One of the prominent areas of mutual interest is water management,” explained Uri Resnick, deputy consul general of Israel to the Southwest United States, Jspace.com reported.

Nevada is already in contact with Israel’s national water company, Mekorot, to learn more about techniques for water quality and security, waste water and recycled water, hydrology, and joint research and technological development.