A recent meeting of members of the Chinese dairy industry and figures in Irish agriculture was held at Alltech‘s European headquarters in County Meath.  The purpose was to encourage collaboration between the two countries, especially as it relates to dairy.  Currently Ireland is hosting students from the China Agricultural University in Beijing to teach them the differences in grass-based verses China’s housed method.

“Exciting opportunities are available for the Irish dairy industry in China,” said Kevin Tuck, managing director at Alltech Ireland. “While Chinese milk output has increased exponentially over the years, it will never be in a position to meet its population’s growing demand for dairy. Ireland is in a unique position to share its unfair advantage with the Chinese. By unfair advantage, I refer to our production surplus and proven commitment to sustainability with Bord Bia’s Origin Green program.”

China Agriculture University is the leading agricultural educational institution in China. Professor Li Shengli, the chief scientist for the Chinese dairy industry, concentrates on nutrition and genetics. This unique visit was his first time on Irish soil.

“My experience in Ireland has been amazing, and I am impressed with the passion Ireland possesses for its agriculture,” Li said. “My aim is to establish scientific and technology relationships with the Irish beef and dairy industry. Seeing is believing, as we say in China; now that I have been to Ireland, I believe!”

“The 2008 melamine scandal has resulted in slow increases in dairy production in China and an obsession for safety. An important development for the industry has been the increase in large-scale dairy farms, (each) with more than 100 head of cattle, leading to 90 percent of Chinese raw milk now produced with a mechanized system,” Li said. “It is very important for milk to be affordable in China. While Chinese consumption of dairy products is very low compared with Europe, I predict this will increase with reform of the one-child family policy.”

Both countries are in agreement that science will need to rise to the challenge of feeding 9 billion people.  Alltech’s Dr. Richard Murphy pointed to his company’s commitment to the job, highlighting the 23 research alliances, including 8 in China.