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”.

 For further information, contact Mychal-Ann Hayhoe at www.ccagr.com.