Coming Event:
Canadian Agricultural and Agri-food Mission To China, October, 2010 (Contact us NOW! We sever Canadians ONLY. Thank you!) Past Event Report: Canadian Agriculture & Rural Development-- An example for Chinese Delegation ---Beijing Ministry of Agriculture Training Class Completed July 7th, 2010, Hamilton, Ontario
In order to better understand modern Canadian agriculture and rural development, the Beijing government funded a program to send 18 delegates in high-level positions for 3 weeks of training at York University. At York, the CCAGR was invited to both hold lectures and provide speakers to further the skills and knowledge of the 18 chosen delegates. The CCAGR chose to invite many well-respected professors, consultants, government officials, senior managers, and association leaders to hold lectures on their behalf.
The topics being covered by these speakers included Canadian politics, the economic system, agriculture, rural development, as well as Canada-China cooperation in all of the aforementioned areas. Included in the government-funded program were trips to the Town of Ingersoll, to the Elora Research Centre, to the Sunrise Potato Farm, and to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture.
On July 7th, 2010, Canada-China Agriculture and Food Development Exchange Centre (CCAGR) announced that with the help of York University, it had completed the training class for the Beijing Ministry of Agriculture. The program had been a success.
During the graduate ceremony, the head of the delegates, Mr. Li ChunTin, said, "Canadian agriculture and rural development models are excellent examples for Beijing, China. The training is very useful for us to make Chinese agriculture and rural development policy and plan."
At the end of the graduate ceremony, the President of the CCAGR, Youming Zhao, P.Ag., commented that the "CCAGR sincerely appreciates all the lecturers, speakers, and site visiting hosts for their great support. CCAGR also sincerely appreciates York University for giving us this unique opportunity to Connect Canada and China." Youming Zhao, P.Ag. then added "Last but most importantly, I wish to give my personally thanks to CCAGR senior advisers Dr. John Kelly,P.Ag., Dr. Doug Yungblut, P.Ag. , Dr. Hielke De Jong, P.Ag. Dr. Neil Miles, P.Ag and Other P.Ags from the Ontario Institute of Agrologists (OIA). They are the true giants behind this project."
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"A Unforgettable Experience in Our Life! " 2010 Canadian Tour and Agritour to China July 5th, 2010, Hamilton, Ontario
The Elanco Global Insights 2010, Canadian Tour and Agri-tour to China was rendered a phenomenal success due to the partnership between the Canadian-China Agriculture and Food Development Exchange Centre (CCAGR) and Elanco Animal Health Canada. The partnership’s success, after more than one year of planning and organization, came none but too soon. This well-organized tour caught the attention of the China Consulate General in Toronto, Ontario, the Canadian Embassy in Beijing, China, the Chinese government, and various local governments.
Brent Difley, Beef/Dairy Business Manager of Elanco Animal Health Canada, gave his thanks to the CCAGR by saying "I wish to personally thank you for the excellent tour of China. I have heard only positive comments and believe that for many, it was the trip of a lifetime. We were able to see a great deal of China in a relatively short time and get a good idea of agricultural production. I think we all have a new appreciation for the speed of development in China and a new perspective on the opportunities to export beef and offals from Canada…” . Jelle Bergmans, Marketing Associate, Eli Lilly Canada Inc. also sent letter to CCAGR by saying "Thank you again for a great trip. Our customers were very positive about all aspects of the tour. We couldn't have asked for a better organizer, tour guide and group...."
Accompanying the CCAGR staff were Canada-China agricultural specialists with 26 years of experience, as well as local Chinese tour guides who spoke fluent English. In addition to the staff members, more than thirty Canadian beef/ dairy farmers were in attendance at this fifteen-day tour in China.
The tour began with a formal dinner in Beijing, at which the Chinese Government Officers and Canadian Embassy Officers were in attendance. The Canadians on the tour then visited some of China’s most famous attractions, such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City in Beijing, the Terra Cotta Warriors in Xian, the Li River in Guilin, the Three Gorge Dam in Yangzi rive, and Bund in Shanghai.
Aside from the culture aspect of the tour, roughly 20% of the traveling in China was devoted to agri-tour, wherein the Canadian farmers were able to visit Chinese-style solar greenhouses, dairy farms, rice farms, local farmer’s markets, farmer’s homes, as well as the largest Asian ostrich farm. Nearing the end of their tour, the Canadians were able to have a special dinner with other Canadian business people in Shanghai. Their last celebration was one for the youngest participant of the tour, a 15-year-old, having his birthday at the time of the tour.
Canadian farmers Eninor and Leighton Kolk of Kolk Farms Ltd. were enthusiastic in saying that "China is amazing!” Further, Dave Plett, the President and CEO of Western Feedlots Ltd., said, in regards to the tour, "Excellent hosts, and very good groups to travel with. I will invite my friends to China..."
After the tour had come to an end, the President of the CCAGR, Youming Zhao, P.Ag., was asked about the success of the tour. In his words, "It is difficult to express the appropriate level of gratitude for all Canadian participants, Elanco Canada and Governments in both Countries. Our team is reviewing very carefully all participants’ comments and travel details. We want to use our 25 years Canada-China Agricultural experience and offer more friendly, knowledgeable, convenient and comfortable China tour and Agri-tour services for Canadians in the future".
 Canadian Chinese investors are interested in farmland and food processing in Ontario 2010 Investment in Canadian Agriculture and Agri-food Industry Seminar-New Release
May 3, 2010, Hamilton, Ontario.
Reported by CCAgr Business Development Officer: Mychal-Ann Hayhoe
The second annual investment in Canadian agriculture sector event organized by Canada-China Agriculture and Food Development and Exchange Centre (CCAGR) was a great success. The furnishing and view offered at beautiful 250 Younge Street on the 35th floor provided a spectacular experience for new comers to the city of Toronto that were in attendance. Over 100 people from diverse locations including China and multiple Canadian provinces came to take advantage of the expertise offered by the events speakers.
The day began with opening remarks from Dr. Doug Yunblut, the president of the Agriculture Institute of Canada and senior adviser for CCAGR. Representatives of Ontario and Internationally Educated Agrologists were in attendance and Mr. Terry Kingsmill provided a presentation that outlined the function of the organization and the opportunities for investment in Ontario’s agriculture sector. This was followed by a presentation from Mr. David Rinneard and Mr. Alex Li from the Bank of Montreal on the importance of agriculture to their financial institution and the opportunities available to those looking to acquire a loan for agricultural business start up. Mr. Sri Sethuratnam program manager of Farm Start also provided a very useful presentation on the services available to new Canadian farmers including the “New Canadian Farmers Project” which provides qualified applicants with start-up grants, mentorship and farm linking.
As key sponsors of the event, members of ColdWell Banker K. Miller Realty, where also in attendance and provided valuable advice on purchasing farm real estate in Southern Ontario. Mr. Jack Huitema. Broker of Record, outlined some currently available properties and discussed key areas of Ontario to invest in and the risks and rewards associated with specific farming opportunities. This presentation was particularly useful for new arrivals to Canada as it gave a good overview of the investment required to begin a farming business in Ontario.
Dr. L. Yao of Global Technology, Training and Trading Inc spoke on the opportunities available to farmers in Ontario. He summarized the current market place including major areas for food export and import and used his extensive expertise to estimate areas where future development would be most lucrative. Mr. Zhao Yong of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency also provided a presentation of the rules and regulations required for producing safe food products in Ontario and Canada. Following this, Mr. Katlun Yong, a recent Chinese immigrant and now a successful Ontario sheep farmer discussed his achievements in farming and offered advice for those who desire to emulate his path.
Finally, Mr. Chyang Wen of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade and Mr. Elmer Buchanan former minister of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and current vice chair of the Ontario Farm Products and Marketing Commission delivered excellent presentations. Mr. Wen discussed the process of immigrating to Canada and provided additional resources for the hopeful Canadian citizen and farm owner. Mr. Buchanan discussed regulated marketing and the Commission responsible for its control.
To conclude the day, Mr. Youming Zhao, P.Ag. President of CCAGR, provided a presentation that summarized the opportunities for agriculture investment in Canada. Mr. Zhao also outlined key resources for new farm business people and concluded by reminding the audience of the services offered by CCAGR to help them develop a farm business that will flourish in Canada; Buying Farms Assistance, Management Assistance, Training, Tech Support and Consulting.
2010 Investment in Canadian Agriculture and Agri-food Industry Seminar – Ontario Agriculture and Agri-food Industry Advantages CCAGR: Bridge for Canada-China agriculture, agri-food and life science cooperation 2009-15-07, Guelph, Ontario Reported by CCAgr Business Development Officer Mychal-Ann Hayhoe
Canada –China Agriculture and Food Development Exchange Centre (CCAgr) representatives met Chinese agricultural scientist delegates from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) and explored Canada-China agriculture and food research cooperation opportunities.
Dr. X.Y. Hour, Director General of the China Grassland Research Institute, introduced CCAgr representatives to the group of twenty people. These scientists were sent to the University of Guelph for academic visiting and English training by the CAAS and the Chinese government. Dr. Hour pointed out that the CAAS is China's national agricultural research organization and is directly affiliated with the Ministry of Agriculture. The CAAS has the strategic task of serving nation-wide agricultural and rural development and empowering farmers with newly discovered scientific information and technology. Its major mandates are to focus on strategic and applied research that is aimed at solving determinant and key scientific problems which are of national or regional importance.
Dr. Doug Yungblut, P.Ag. and senior scientific advisor of CCAgr, began the event by making warm opening remarks to the Chinese scientists. He also briefly commented on the advances in Canadian agriculture and agri-food research and technology.
Mr. Youming Zhao P. Ag. M.Sc., President of Canada –China Agriculture and Food Development Exchange Centre (CCAgr) addressed the audience. He explained CCAgr’s history, mission and progresses to the Chinese researchers. He also discussed CCAgr’s role in promoting Canada-China agriculture and food research cooperation with participants. Both sides showed strong interests in exploring Canada-China agriculture and food research cooperation opportunities.
Youming Zhao expressed that “this seminar was a success. It offered an opportunity for CCAgr to connect with top Chinese agriculture scientists from different academic backgrounds. The CCAgr will continue using its cultural, language and technical advantages to act as a bridge for Canada-China agriculture, agri-food and life sciences cooperation and exchange”.
To conclude the event, Youming Zhao, President of CCAgr acknowledged with thanks the valuable support of Peggy Nagle, M.Ed, M.B.A. Manager and Jennifer Steeves of the ESL program. He also extended his thanks to the University of Guelph for making the logistical arrangements required to accommodate the seminar.
 Photos supplied by CCAGR professional photographer: Daniel J Vautour
Chinese Investors show strong interests in Canadian Agriculture and Agri-food Industry 2009-05-09, Toronto, Ontario Reported by CCAgr Business Development Officer Mychal-Ann Hayhoe Canada –China Agriculture and Food Development Exchange Centre (CCAgr) and Coldwell Banker, K. Miller Realty co-organized a first seminar for Investors from China and Chinese communities around Canada: Investment in Canadian Agriculture and Agri-food Industry - Ontario Agriculture and Agri-food Industry Advantages. Fifty-eight people from Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Alberta and China attended this one-day event. Don McCabe, vice president of Ontario Federation of Agriculture made an impressive presentation. He introduced up-to-date information about Canadian and Ontario farm businesses. He also stressed the important role of the Canadian farmer in producing a safe food supply and in environmental protection. Jack Huitema, Broker of Record from the day’s key event sponsor, Coldwell Banker K. Miller Realty, was able to offer the attendees a great deal of useful information pertaining to the purchasing of agricultural real estate in Ontario. He also shared several local listings for farms and answered questions. Rich Vansoelen, sales representative from the Coldwell Banker, K. Miller Realty gave details on the procedure required to invest in an Ontario farm business. Speaker, Alex Li from the Bank of Montreal was able provide further advice on obtaining financial support for those looking to develop a new agricultural business. Neil Vroom of Master Feeds and Jimmy Lee, of Cami International Poultry, provided insight into the costs and potential returns associated with running an agri-business through a discussion of their areas of expertise. To conclude the day, Youming Zhao, P. Ag. M.Sc. President of Canada –China Agriculture and Food Development Exchange Centre (CCAgr) addressed the audience. He discussed CCAgr’s role in guiding Chinese communities to invest in Canadian Agriculture and Agri-food industry and the role of CCAgr in serving Chinese investors in the technology and agribusiness management aspects after they set up a new business. Jack Huitema, Broker of Record stated “this seminar offered useful information to the investors. It is hoped that this seminar will provide many with a stepping stone towards their agricultural ambitions and that they will seek further advice from the experts offered through CCAgr”. Youming Zhao, President of CCAgr agreed with this and expressed that “this seminar proved to be a great success. It will help Canadian agriculture and agri-food industry and Chinese investors and CCAgr expects to organize similar events in the future”. 
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| | Photos supplied by CCAGR professional photographer: Daniel J Vautour |
For further information, contact Mychal-Ann Hayhoe at www.ccagr.com.
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