China agricultural university delegation visit AFBI

Date published: 14 August 2014

Areas of Expertise: Sustainable Livestock, Grassland and Plant Science, Food Quality and Safety

The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) has hosted a visit by a delegation from China Agricultural University (CAU) led by Professor Fuyu Yang, Assistant Dean of its College of Animal Science and Technology. The visit follows the establishment of a joint AFBI-CAU Research Centre for forage and herbivore science.

L-R, Dr Tianhai Yan(AFBI), Prof Chuncheng XU (CAU), Prof Seamus Kennedy (AFBI), Prof Fuyu Yang (CAU), Dr Yunwei Zhang (CAU) and Prof Margaret Patterson (AFBI)

Professor Seamus Kennedy, AFBI Chief Executive, and Professor Margaret Patterson welcomed the visitors to AFBI Headquarters at Newforge Lane, Belfast and discussed potential opportunities for research cooperation, and the exchange of staff and postgraduate students.

F-R, Dr Yunwei Zhang (CAU), Dr Trevor Gilliland (AFBI), Dr Tianhai Yan (AFBI) and Prof Fuyu Yang (CAU) discussing grass production at AFBI Crossnacreevy

The CAU delegation also visited AFBI Hillsborough where Dr Trevor Gilliland presented AFBI’s dairy, beef, sheep and renewable energy research programmes, followed by a tour of the research farm. The delegation also visited AFBI’s Plant Testing Station at Crossnacreevy where they met with staff to discuss research on cereals and grass trialling.

by Tianhai Yan, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Hillsborough

Notes to editors:

AFBI carries out high quality technology research and development, statutory, analytical, and diagnostic testing functions for DARD 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.