Significant shifts in China's agriculture
That’s the report from the member of Associated International Group of Nurseries (AIGN®) in China, Shennong Variety Management (SVM), where Lew Dagger is its Managing Director and AIGN® Director.
He says these changes are resulting in a new model cooperative based on a number of factors such as the economic weakness of tradition small holding, an aging population amongst farmers and the one child policy.
Other factors include those related to safe food and food security, the draw of the urban economics, changing consumer markets and sales chains and government policies, both national and local.
“As a result, China provides huge opportunities for the introduction and development of new technology of which new varieties is one aspect,” Dagger says. “The focus on what is called ‘modern agriculture’ involves considerable challenges, but for those who are willing to make the commitment and take the time to work closely with us, the prize is worth it.”
Dagger is also quick to point out AIGN® as a key part of this process. “AIGN® provides coordinated formal international linkages which not only can identify potential products, but also the necessary technical back up and a product range which is so important in achieving successes in China,” Dagger says.
“The main changes in agriculture in China involve the emergence of the large scale corporate farming models,” Dagger says. “This has seen the consolidation of land and significant investment based on other commercial activities. One of the largest examples of this is the huge computer company Lenovo which, through its subsidiaries, is making a significant investment in Chinese blueberry and kiwifruit industries.”
Part of this change is also the recognition that there is a need for new varieties which provide improved productivity and greater value.
“Shennong Variety Management saw this change a number of years ago based on its experience in a number of agricultural projects in China,” Dagger says. “The company’s direct activities in regards to the introduction and management of new varieties actually started in 2007, a year before we became a member of AIGN.”
SVM’s focus is on the actual importation, legal protection, evaluation and recommendation of the best model and partners for commercialization. A key to success in China, the company takes a step-by-step approach to ensure the right partner is carefully identified and the true value of the variety is recognized.
For more information:
Mr. Lew Dagger
AIGN
Email: lewdagger@xtra.co.nz
or info@aign.org