Cargill CEO Reiterates Commitment to Rural Development in China

The Golden Key Plan will consist of three parts: First Cargill will increase its farmer training centers from 21 for 50 in China and by 2015 the company will train 500, 000 farmers on modern animal nutrition and planting technologies.

26 Nov 2009 --- Greg Page, Cargill's Global CEO recently visited China. "Cargill has been cooperating with China since the 1970s. As a reliable and experienced agriculture, food and risk management provider, we are proud of the contribution Cargill has made to China's economy and society over the past years," said Mr. Page.

Commenting upon agriculture development in China, Page said the production and modernization model has progressed steadily and continuously. Competent agriculture companies are emerging. Since its establishment in China, Cargill has introduced advanced food and agriculture technologies, operations and management experience to China through its 37 facilitates throughout the country.

During his visit, Page announced that Cargill China will launch a "Golden Key Plan" to help improve farmers' incomes. The Golden Key Plan will consist of three parts: First Cargill will increase its farmer training centers from 21 for 50 in China and by 2015 the company will train 500, 000 farmers on modern animal nutrition and planting technologies.

Second, Cargill will utilize its global resources to help develop local agriculture and food talents. Cargill will send farmers to overseas universities and advanced farms to learn farm management. The company will also assign their own young Chinese talents to overseas assignments and provide then with a venue to learn global technology and best-practices in its global operations.

Third, since the agricultural sector is highly volatile and its value chain complex, industrial players have been facing challenges to manage the situation, Cargill will set up a risk and supply chain management innovation center, through which customers and partners can learn about managing risk and how to supply safe and stable quality food. The company will also work with customers to help them improve supply chain efficiencies and to manage rapid product development cycles.

"Cargill is committed to help promote rural development in China. Our aim is not only to help increase farmers' incomes but also to upgrade the "soft strength" of farmers in China and therefore promote the long term sustainable development", said Mr. Page.

"Food and agriculture industry development requires collaboration from every relevant party in the farm to table supply chain, including companies, farmers, government officials and industry associations. Only by ensuring effective and safe operations of each part of the supply chain can we all reach a win-win situation. We want to promote rural development and also ensure that consumers receive safe food. Cargill is committed to sharing our technology and experience with China, and growing and developing along with the Chinese agriculture and food industries," said Mr. Page.