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The fundamental importance of education and training by Chris Jackson, Export Manager UK TAG So the time has come to write another column, as we progress towards the end of the first quarter of this year. Time seems to fly by, as we here, try to arrange yet more missions to and from the UK to help develop the agri-tech industries of the world, whilst working closely with our exhibition partners in Holland and Germany. We look forward to appreciating the new technologies that the world offers to increase production, whilst maintaining the environment. I believe that these technologies will be fundamentally important for developing countries where agriculture is a vital part of the economy. As I am very privileged in having had the opportunity to visit many countries and see their economies develop over the years, with a move to city dwelling and away from the countryside. One of the consequences of this is that the importance of their agricultural industries gets less well appreciated. We all expect food to be available as our incomes increase. There are some notable exceptions to this theory and last month I wrote about one such country, Indonesia. The current Indonesian government seems determined to increase production from both the land and the sea. Now I turn my attention to another -- Vietnam. Here is the first Asian country that I visited now some 30 years ago the way that the country has developed is quite remarkable. Both major cities Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have changed beyond belief; they are now modern, safe and sophisticated, but still retain the charm of their past. The country is fortunate in having very enthusiastic Ambassadors in my country promoting the attributes of theirs. As with many nations this country certainly has a manufacturing base; with a population of 84 million people this is a given. However, I am told that there country also have several aims that need to be achieved, including tourism. With a wonderful coastline, beaches, historical sites, culture and food with its climate and a people who are polite and attentive, I am sure that this industry will develop. And with still more than 60 percent of the population involved in agriculture and aquaculture here are two more major industries that the Government is keen to see take on board modern methods of production from primary production to the consumer. With an additional aim to becoming a world class exporter of food. To achieve this there must be opportunities to help with training and education at all levels. Investment in, and I put first, people, plant, machinery and technology. Most places that I see in the world the young people do not want to stay farming it is regarded as a poor occupation with low pay and long hours. The world has to wake up to the fact that without farmers we have nothing. As technology advances, we need highly skilled graduates to take the industry forward. Vietnam has a vibrant young workforce, to be encouraged to produce more food from diminishing resources and maintain the environment for future generations. For our part at the forthcoming ILDEX Vietnam 23 March from the UK, I will bring companies involved in the industry to visit Ho Chi Minh City and along with Milling and Grain and Aquaculture we will be organising seminars specifically for the aquaculture industry and animal genetics. Please register and come and visit our booths at the exhibition and listen to the seminars that I am sure you will find of great interest. I hope to see many friends of long standing at this event and just as importantly to make new friends and business colleagues. @AgrictecExports 24 | March 2016 - Milling and Grain
Following a comprehensive review of its grain and oilseeds businesses in Central and Eastern Europe, Cargill is to stop providing crop inputs to farmers and to fully exit from these activities by the end of May 2016. This change will affect Cargill’s businesses in Hungary, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Ukraine, Bulgaria and Poland. Going forward, the company will refocus its attention on its grain and oilseeds origination, merchandising and trading activities in these markets. The Black Sea region remains a key focus for strategic growth and Cargill will continue to strengthen its existing investments and operations, including its network of port terminals and oilseed crush plants in the region.
Sysco Corporation, North America’s leading foodservice distributor, announced today that it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire Brakes Group, a leading European foodservice distributor. Brakes Group is owned by Bain Capital Private Equity. The transaction is valued at approximately US$3.1 billion and includes the repayment of approximately US$2.3 billion of Brakes Group’s financial debt. Unanimously approved by Sysco’s Board of Directors, the deal is subject to customary regulatory review by European Union competition authorities. The companies expect to complete the transaction before the end of Sysco’s fiscal year in July 2016. Headquartered in London, Brakes Group will operate as a standalone company within Sysco. The Brakes Group business will continue to be led by chief executive officer Ken McMeikan. His management team and the rest of the employee base will remain in place.