News Releases for October 2004
October 1, 2004
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Lt. Gov. Dalrymple Announces Trade Mission To China To Open New Markets For North Dakota's Agriculture Industry
FARGO, N.D. - Lt. Governor Jack Dalrymple and representatives from the North Dakota Trade Office today announced an October trade mission to China with the objective to open new markets for North Dakota's agriculture industry and develop new cultural and educational opportunities for the state.
The 12-member delegation departs Oct. 7 for Beijing and will travel to the province of Henan and the cities of Xian and Xinjiang before returning to North Dakota Oct. 18. The mission is the result of a contact from the Chinese government expressing the need for high protein feed for large livestock and dairy producers, along with an invitation to help them develop farm management systems.
"This mission is an opportunity for North Dakota exporters to open new markets as we continually strive to diversify and add value to North Dakota's strong agricultural base," Dalrymple said.
China's demand for higher value food products has been accelerated by the rural to urban migration trend prevalent in the country. The urban Chinese population reportedly has more disposable wealth to spend on meat and dairy products, but because of insufficient domestic raw milk production, the industry is unable to meet the growing demand. The Chinese government plans to substantially expand the country's dairy industry and North Dakota's trade delegation will promote high protein feeds to help sustain that growth.
In addition, Les Knudson from Superior Grains in Crosby and Williston and Larry White of Bowman will represent the North Dakota Dry Pea and Lentil Association and meet with several noodle manufacturers in China. The export of pulse crops to China has increased nearly 300 percent over the past six years. There is also an anticipated need for feed grade dry peas to be used in feed for the country's livestock industry.
Duane Hauck, NDSU Extension Service interim director; Ken Grafton, North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station director; and Kim Koch, feed production center manager at Northern Crops Institute have accepted an invitation from Henan Agricultural University to develop farm management programs, as well as training and student exchanges between the universities at each location.
"There is significant opportunity for satellite farm management facilities in China through a joint program with one of their best agricultural universities," Koch said. "This mission is an exploratory effort and we will be evaluating the opportunities for North Dakota's high value products."
China's agricultural equipment imports are predicted to grow significantly as farms consolidate and mechanize. The delegation will also investigate the need for additional North Dakota products and farm machinery in each region.
According to Dalrymple, "Our research clearly reveals great potential for North Dakota businesses and universities to explore new market opportunities in China. Doing so will bring new revenue into the state and will continue to diversify our economy."
"North Dakota has a wealth of high quality manufactured goods and agriculture products that this delegation will be promoting," said Susan Geib, executive director of the North Dakota Trade Office. "This mission will help open doors and create opportunities for our agriculture industry and our universities."
Other members of the North Dakota trade delegation include Ron Disrud with Arrow-Tech, Inc. in Rolla; Mike Bloyed and Frank Moore with Heartland Feed in Tioga; Lance Gaebe and James Burgum with the Office of the Governor; and State Representative Bob Skarphol, representing Williams, Divide, Burke and Mountrail counties.
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