AFBI builds new research links with Jiangxi Province

Date published: 21 September 2016

The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) is always seeking to increase its international collaborations and expand its influence as a globally active research organisation. To this purpose, AFBI has recently been strengthening its links with research institutes in China and on the 20 September hosted a delegation from Jiangxi province, one of the main agricultural provinces in China.

AFBI CEO Professor Elaine Watson welcomes delegation from Jiangxi Province, together with Professor Trevor Gilliland (AFBI), Mrs Lesley Fay (DAERA) and Mr Jason Rankin (AgriSearch)

The eight person delegation included five members of the Jiangxi Provincial Agricultural Department and three Food Company Executives.

The delegation’s objectives were to learn about the success of AFBI’s research in creating new scientific knowledge that is then used to improve agriculture practices.

To help demonstrate how AFBI translates its research findings in a way that can be adopted on local farms, AgriSearch General Manager Jason Rankin joined the meeting to explain its partnership role with AFBI to both fund and support this process.

The presentations from the AFBI scientists and the demonstrations of some of the livestock research work at AFBI Hillsborough, developed this concept of advancing animal science to improve livestock farming.

The meeting is expected to bring new research opportunities and, in advancing scientific knowledge, will help both organisations and countries to develop new solutions to benefit farmers and food industries globally.

The Minister of the Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs also welcomed the delegation to Stormont, see here.

Notes to editors: 

AFBI carries out high quality technology research and development, statutory, analytical, and diagnostic testing functions for DAERA and other Government departments, public bodies and commercial companies.

AFBI's Vision is “Scientific excellence in Northern Ireland … serving the world”.

All media enquiries to AFBI Press Office

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