As a result of representation made during Gunnedah Shire Council’s delegation to China in March, Gunnedah played host to a return Chinese delegation recently. The delegations continue to build agricultural links and put Gunnedah on the world map.

The high level delegation visited Adelaide, Sydney, Kempsey and Gunnedah and has expressed interest in trade and investment opportunities in the Gunnedah Shire.

Representatives from six agricultural-based companies from across eastern China toured farms in the Shire before attending a seminar at Gunnedah Shire Council with primary producers from the region.

The forum was addressed by Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Gunnedah Shire Council’s Director Planning and Environmental Services Andrew Johns, and each visiting company was provided the opportunity to address the group outlining its interests in Australian agricultural produce.

“The delegation was in awe of the quality of the soil and the scale of our farms. Many of the companies were looking to secure vegetable crops and expressed a desire to trial some crops in the Gunnedah Shire on different soil types,” Gunnedah Shire Council’s Director Planning and Environmental Services Andrew Johns said.

“These plots would only consume small amounts of land and the primary producers at the seminar all expressed interest in becoming involved in the trials.

“The delegation was also interested in existing commodities that our region is famous for such as beef, lamb, cotton seed, barley, wheat, faba beans, sorghum, and hay to name a few. Their keen interest in our commodities has the potential to boost our economy and support our local producers.”

A number of representatives have expressed interest in visiting Gunnedah again in the near future to discuss further opportunities.

Photo Caption: The Chinese delegation toured a number of local properties as part of their visit.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.