News

July 15, Van den Berg Roses PSOM project opened in Yiliang, Yunnan

Speeches by Netherlands’ Vice Minister for Agriculture, Vice Mayor of Kunming, Mr. Li Xi and Director Arie van den Berg marked the official part of the opening of the Van den Berg Roses project in Yiliang. Afterwards the guests of honor officially opened the greenhouse by installing amblyseius cucumeris for biological pest control purposes. Van den Berg Roses established a pilot production facility in Yunnan for the year-round growing of a variety of top-quality rose cultivars. Van den Berg Roses teamed up with Kunming San Xin Greenhouse Engineering Ltd. and local project partner CHC Agriculture Development for this project and they invested in a 4.5 ha state-of-the-art greenhouse facility for year-round growing of new rose cultivars for the local Chinese and export market. They apply organic crop protection methods using Insect Pest Management. Mr. Cok Hartveled is General Manager of the location and Van den Berg China is a stakeholder of NABSO. The project is supported by a grant of the Netherlands’ Government (the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, PSOM program). As part of the corporate social responsibility program of Van Den Berg Mr. Arie van den Berg handed over a cheque to two young students from Yiliang. The company will pay for their education.

July 15, Official opening of Netherlands Agribusiness Support Office Kunming

By cutting the red ribbon Vice Minister Van der Zande, Madame Sun of MoA and Mr. Li Gang of Yunnan Flower Association officially transformed the Netherlands Business Support Office in Kunming into a Netherlands Agribusiness Support Office (NABSO) for floriculture. In order to maximise the benefit, not only for Dutch companies in this market, but also for the Chinese floriculture sector, the Netherlands Ministry of Agriculture decided to establish this office in Kunming. The main focus of this office will be on the Chinese floriculture sector and that of Yunnan in particular. But the office will also provide services to the Dutch floricultural companies interested in doing business in Vietnam and Thailand. There are 21 companies and organisations involved and participating in NABSO Kunming at the moment and their profiles are published in a stakeholders’ booklet. The Vice Minister also presented to the audience the two very dedicated and experienced people, Mrs. Renée Snijders, as Chief Representative and Mrs. Yang Yang as Deputy Chief Representative.
After the official ceremony the audience could admire the ‘wall of fame’ in the office, containing the logo’s of all stakeholders. On behalf of the stakeholders several representatives were present, as also the major counterparts from Chinese governmental side. All joined the Vice Minister in raising a glass of champagne to toast on the fruitful future of the office and the Sino-Dutch cooperation. The Chinese Ministry of Agriculture, the China Flower Association and the Yunnan Government have expressed their support for the office.

July 15, Yunnan vice governor Gong supports NABSO Kunming

During the official meeting between Vice Minister Van der Zande and the Yunnan Vice Governor responsible for agriculture, Mr. Kong Chuizhu, the latter assured the Dutch delegation that he and his services will fully support the establishment of the Netherlands Agriculture Business Support Office for floriculture in Kunming, Yunnan province. Van der Zande emphasized that Yunnan is one of the key areas of the agricultural cooperation between China and the Netherlands. Especially the floricultural sector has found here a suitable climate to invest. More and more Dutch floricultural companies focus on Yunnan. Vice Governor Kong agreed with Van der Zande and informed him that there are 12 successful Sino-Dutch cooperation projects in Yunnan. His government has the aim to double the flower production in his province in 5 years. Chief representative Mrs. Renée Snijders was introduced to the vice governor just as Mr. Henk Vaandrager, director of Geerlofs China and member of the steering committee of NABSO and Mr. Sander Smeding of Anthura Kunming, NABSO stakeholder. Both parties had an intensive discussion for almost one hour.

July 14, Proceedings SDAIPC signed between MoA and ANFQ

Director General Li Zhengdong and Director International Affairs Mr. Jan Deelstra signed at the end of the High level Meeting the proceedings of the Sino Dutch Agricultural Innovation and Promotion Centre (SDAIPC). Aim of the proceeding is to further regulate the function of the Centre and to appoint a Steering Committee that will be responsible for the supervision of the Centre. Every year the Steering Committee will report to the High Level Meeting between the two ministries.

Last year, as a result of the excellent relationship between the Peoples Republic China and the Netherlands in the field of agriculture and food production, the Sino Dutch Agricultural Innovation and Promotion Centre here in Beijing was established. The Centre gives researchers the possibility being part of joint programmes for scientific co operation and contributes to the deepening of the bilateral relationship. The work of the Centre has been successful during the first year of operation. The Netherlands ministry of Agriculture is grateful to the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences for hosting the Centre and giving Wageningen UR the possibility to use Centre as a base for scientific co operation.

July 14, 11th High Level Meeting between MoA and ANFQ

Vice Minister André van der Zande of the Netherlands Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (ANFQ) and Vice Minister Niu Dun of P.R. of China’s Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) co-chaired the 11th edition of the annual High Level Meeting between the two countries on agricultural subjects. This year China was hosting the meeting and together with the agricultural department in the Embassy they prepared the visit of Mr. Van der Zande and his delegation. The delegation to the High Level Meeting consisted of Ambassador Bekink, Mr. Deelstra, director International Affairs, Mr. De Leeuw, Chief Veterinarian Officer, Mr. Vernooij, division chief Industry and Trade Department and the agricultural department of the Embassy.
During the meeting several topics were discussed in the field of food security, knowledge exchange, market access and breeders’ rights. One of the main outcomes of the talks was the support from the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture to participate in the Round Table of Sustainable Soy in which producers, processors, traders and consumers discuss on the sustainability of soy production and consumption. Soy is a commodity of special interest to China and The Netherlands as being the most importers of soy mainly form South America. The Netherlands government supports the initiative to develop principles and criteria for a sustainable soy chain.
Another commodity of importance to both countries is palm oil, mainly produced in South East Asia and used in many food and non food consumer products. The discussions about sustainability for the main stream of the palm oil trade is advanced in comparison to the soy chains. Both sides agreed that the Netherlands will inform directly involved Chinese partners about the progress made in this multi stakeholder process trying to realise on sustainable palm oil production world wide. For more information on both initiatives please check the following websites: www.responsiblesoy.org (soy) and www.rspo.org (palm oil).

July 8, 78 companies receive their MPS China certificate

With an official ceremony attended by Madame Liu Zhouhui, vice administrator of CNCA, Netherlands’ Ambassador Mr. Rudolf Bekink, Mr. Theo de Groot, CEO of MPS, Mr. Wang Diafou of China Flower Association and the representatives of 78 Chinese companies active in horticulture, the 2 year cooperation project between CNCA and MPS came to an end. The end was marked by the official issuing of the first MPS China certificates to the qualified companies. During the ceremony, co chaired by Madame Shi Ziaowei, DG of the Registration Department of CNCA and Mrs. Gabrielle Nuytens-Vaarkamp, deputy agricultural counselor, the guest speakers expressed their opinion on the project and congratulated all parties involved with the success of the project. Ambassador Bekink pointed at the fact that 2 years ago, to precisely on May 24, 2006, Madame Jiang Zehui, president of China Flower Association, Mr. Sun Dawei, chief administrator of CNCA, Mr. De Groot of MPS and the Minister for Agriculture of the Netherlands, launched the collective initiative for MPS flower certification in China. The Dutch government decided to support this initiative with a grant from the Asia Facility, provided by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Aim of the project was to have the first Chinese flowers certified by MPS just before the start of the Olympic Games. He thanked Mr. De Groot and his team that they are the driving force behind a tool that makes environmental friendly flower production distinctive in the market, also in China. Mr. De Groot in his speech informed the participants that MPS and CNCA collected per company data of 1 year of production. Next to the fact that MPS cetification is a ticket for especially the export market, it is also a tool to get better insight of the different costs made on company-level. In this respect the company will not only benefit from a higher price on the market but can also better manage his company.
After the handing over of the certificates Mr. De Groot spent a good length of time of being pictured with the individual companies and the certificate.

June 27, Extra checks on LSV reported

Just after the 6th phytosanitary meeting the Dutch delegation was informed by Dutch exporters about blocked containers with lily bulbs in Tjianjin harbor. The main reason was the interception of Lily Symptomless virus (LSV). AQSIQ informed our office that (quote) LSV of Lily is not in the Q-list now, but based on IPPC international standard, it is a restrictive non-quarantine harmful organism in China. Because it has strong impact on the quality of the lily bulbs and there are lots of interceptions in recent two years in the lily bulbs from the Netherlands, AQSIQ requested local CIQ return or destroy the lily bulbs which containing LSV (unquote).
The Ministry immediately sent a letter to AQSIQ to ask for further clarification, also in line with the international IPPC procedures. The Ministry, the Dutch NPPO, the sector and our office are working closely together to solve the problem as soon as possible.

June 26, CG visits Greenport Shanghai

At 26 June, Eric Verwaal, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Nick Hong, agricultural assistant of LNV office Shanghai, visited Dongtan Reserve, Chongming Island. Madam Gao Guihua, vice general manager of SIIC Dongtan Investment & Development (Holdings) Co. Ltd., accompanied them. They had a tour to Dongtan Int’l Convention Center, Wetland park, Dongtan Reserve, Northern Agro-park (or Greenport Shanghai), and Yangtze Tunnel & Bridge (under construction), which has 25.5 kilometer-long, and will be put into use next year. The visit was to get better understanding about Greenport Shanghai project, in which several Dutch companies and organizations are involved. In addition, eco-park is one of the three working priority sectors at the Consulate, as we highly promote the concept of sustainable development in China. The Netherlands has a lot of know-how to offer.

June 22-27, 6th Sino-Dutch Phytosanitary Meeting

After a stand-still of almost two years the Plant and Animal Quarantine Department of AQSIQ agreed in organizing the annual Sino-Dutch work group between AQSIQ and the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality in China. Mrs. Faassen of the Ministry headed the Dutch delegation, consisting of Mr. Henk Stigter of the Dutch National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO), Mrs. Gabrielle Nuytens-Vaarkamp, deputy agricultural counselor and Mrs. Yan Su, agricultural assistant in China. Besides the official meeting this working group is also established to get a better insight in the plant protection system of both countries. The delegation had the opportunity to visit Hangzhou (Zhejiang province) and Kunming (Yunnan province). The provincial CIQ’s (the regional branches of AQSIQ) had prepared an extensive program with meetings and field visits. In Hangzhou the main focus of the visit was the quarantine inspection and administration of the export of pot plants. Recent discoveries of Anaplophora chinensis in acer imported from China have lead to concrete actions by both the Dutch and the Chinese NPPO. The dossier is however under discussion at European level. In Kunming the delegation had intensive talks with their Chinese counterparts on the import of flower bulbs from the Netherlands. All bulbs are checked on several viruses and especially the Arabis Mosaic Virus. In cooperation with the exporters, the Dutch NPPO introduced an obligatory test on ArMV before export to China. The Chinese authorities however still report interceptions of bulbs containing this virus.

This topic was one of the main items on the agenda of the 6th Sino-Dutch Phytosanitary Meeting that took place in Kunming. Mrs. Faassen en Mr. Wang Yiyu, director of the Division of Plant Quarantine in AQSIQ, co-chaired the meeting. Both parties agreed to draft a protocol for the export of bulbs to China. In this protocol both countries have to agree on the procedures how to handle the export and import of the flower bulbs. Mr. Wang Yiyu aims for signing the protocol during the upcoming High level Meeting between AQSIQ and the Ministry of Agriculture, nature and Food Quality in November this year. During the meeting Mr. Stigter handed over a document prepared by the Dutch NPPO with the phytosanitary information with regard to pear fruit (Pyrus Communis L.) produced in the Netherlands. This study will be the basis for a pest risk analysis to be made by AQSIQ whether or not they will allow the import of the Dutch pears into China.

June 15-19, Top Institute Green Genetics on fact finding mission in China

In cooperation with the office of the Science and Technology Counsellor the department of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality prepared the program for a fact finding mission of Mr. Bernard de Geus, director of the Netherlands’ Technological Top Institute Green Genetics (TTI GG). With the full support of the Board of the Top Institute and the main Dutch seed companies and knowledge institute Mr. De Geus visited the main possible partners for a joint project in the area of cucurbits plant sciences research.
An international team lead by the Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (IVF-CAAS) has recently generated a great body of genomic resources for cucumber, including a draft sequence of 4x coverage, a comprehensive genetic map of over 800 SSR markers and 500 DArT markers, end-sequenced fosmid library (20x) and BAC library (10x). They also constructed the first comparative genetic map for cucumber and melon. The goal of the team is to generate a complete sequence of cucumber and to implement genome-based breeding in cucurbits.
The result of the cucumber genome initiative (CuGI) has attracted a lot of interest already. IVF-CAAS is interested to establish a joint research project between the CAAS, TTI GG, Dutch seed companies and Dutch knowledge institutions. In cooperation with CAAS Mr. De Geus also talked with other top institutes in China like Beijing Institute of Genomics at CAS and BGI in Shenzhen. The outcomes of the talks were very positive. As this project could be the first concrete result of the China green genetics program under the coordination of TTI GG, all parties involved are very hopeful towards a positive result of the application of the program for support by the Netherlands government (2g@there program of the EVD).

May 18-25, ZLTO Board of Directors in China

Led by Mr. A. Vermeer, Chairman of the ZLTO board (Southern Netherlands Agriculture and Horticulture Organization), the 43-people delegation visited China from 18-25 May. Their major stops were Shanghai, Wenzhou, Qingdao and Beijing. One of the highlights in Shanghai was to listen to a greenport Shanghai presentation (www.greenportshanghai.com) made by Madam Gao Guihua, vice president of Dongdan Development Co Ltd, under SIIC. The presentation told about ongoing projects in Chongming Island, Shanghai, where an eco-city and a greenport Shanghai are going to be built up. The latter is associated with Alterra Wagningen and Trans Forum, the Netherlands. The delegation was well received by Mr. Eric Verwaal, Consul General, and Mr. Henk van Duijn, Agricultural Counselor, who also released a presentation for the visitors. In Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, the board members visited Rousselot factory, one of Vion subsidiaries in China.
In Qingdao, Shandong province, the delegation had a tour of Longda Pig Farm, apple and pear orchards etc. Mr. Lin Jing and Yu Yongli, NBSO Jinan, did a marvelous job. One of the programs was to visit Rijk Zwaan Company in Qingdao, where Mr. Rom van Winden, introduced his business and showed a vegetable demonstration greenhouse. In addition, the board members paid a visit to Sea-Water Aquaculture Research Institute (under Chinese Academy of Sciences), where turbot and sea-cucumber aquaculture were inspected. One visit, which impressed the delegation, was to see Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis Gray) raising. The Chinese sturgeon enjoys as the same status as Chinese grand Panda.
In Beijing Mr. Jan Cortenbach of the Sino-Dutch JV in feed production Wellhope-De Heus delivered a presentation to the group about the feed market in China and guided the visit to a neighboring cattle farm producing fresh milk for Sanyuan, the biggest processor of Beijing area. The visit of the ZLTO-delegation ended at the Ambassador’s residence in Beijing. Mr. Rudolf Bekink, the Ambassador welcomed the guests and asked Mr. Anton Vermeer to share his observations and conclusions of his visit to China. Mr. Vermeer told the audience that he was impressed by the state of the art of the present Chinese agriculture and also the challenges that still lay ahead for farmers and government. One of the conclusions was that instead of seeing China as a threat, China is more a big brother were the Netherlands agriculture could cooperate with. As a general conclusion, the delegation was satisfied with the trip to China.

April 14-16, Eu China Timber Trade Roadshow, Shanghai

Eu China Timber Trade Roadshow took place at Swissotel, Shanghai. The event was organized by UK-TTF (Timber Trade Federation). As Dutch representatives, Mr. André de Boer, Managing director of Netherlands Timber Trade Association, and Patrick Jansen, Director of Probos, took part in 3-day activities in Shanghai. Mr. Nick Hong, Agricultural assistant of LNV office Shanghai, attended the meeting as well. The experts from both sides exchanged views on certification and a code of conduct in the timber industry. More attention should be paid from Chinese companies on COC (chain of custody) and FSC (forest sustainable certification) in order to have sustainable development. The roadshow also had one-day field-trip, which made possible for EU entrepreneurs to get better understanding about Chinese flooring companies. The field trips covered three Chinese companies, Shanghai New Shihe Wood Co. Ltd, Sino-maple Flooring Co. Ltd and A&W (Shanghai) Woods Co. Ltd. After Shanghai conference, they went to Pizhou, Jiangsu province, for further roadshow.

April 9-12, Hortiflor Exhibition 2008, Beijing

The Beijing Exhibition Centre was the stage for the International Hortiflor 2008, the biggest annual flower exhibition and trade fair in China. The LNV Bureau in Beijing together with NABSO Kunming, coordinated the establishment of the Holland Pavilion. Visitors could visit the company booths of Van Den Bos Flowerbulbs, Braam Youngplants, Chrysal, IBC, MPS, Tref Group and Syngenta.

Furthermore, award-winning Dutch flower designer Mr. Arjan Schep presented the latest trends in floral home decoration design during various demonstrations. Last but not least, the Dutch participators and visitors as well as Chinese guests could this year enjoy typical Dutch food and snacks. From two traditional Dutch style houses in the pavilion, Dutch company Eurobakery sold their delicious goods during the four day show.

After the official opening on April 9, guest of honor Mrs. Jiang Zehui, president of the China Flower Association, visited the Holland Pavilion accompanied by Ambassador Mr. Rudolf Bekink and Agricultural Attaché Mrs. Gabrielle Nuytens. She was offered a beautiful bouquet of Dutch flowers on behalf of the Dutch participants.
Throughout the show the Holland Pavilion, being the biggest country pavilion at the fair, drew considerable amounts of visitors and received quite some press attention.

As always, the Hortiflor exhibition proved to be a useful networking event for the Dutch participants, visitors and their Chinese counterparts. Agricultural Attaché Mrs. Gabrielle Nuytens hosted a reception dinner at the Embassy for some 120 Dutch companies and organizations active the field of horticulture and their Chinese counterparts.

Next year’s edition of the International Hortiflor Exhibition will take place in Shanghai in the Intex Shanghai. Like this year, Dutch horticultural companies and organizations can sign up to take part in the Holland Pavilion. For more information, please contact:
NABSO Kunming: nbsokm@nbsokm.com
LNV Bureau Beijing: pek-lnv@minbuza.nl

March 14-24, HONG KONG FLOWER SHOW 2008 Victoria Park

The Hong Kong Flower Show 2008 has just been held in Hong Kong on 14-24 March. The flower show is an annual event organized by the Hong Kong Leisure and Cultural Services Department with more than 500,000 visitors each year. In co-ordination with NABSO Kunming, and the kind support of Dutch organizations/companies, we have organized a dynamic Holland Pavilion at the flower show this year.

The 2008 Olympic Equestrian Event will be held in Hong Kong in August.To underline this special occasion the Holland Pavilion at the flower show this year was decorated with a few Olympic related elements. For instance an actual size barrier and the Olympic rings (grass). The flowers on display were mainly tulips, as well as anthuriums, roses,gladiolus and lilies. A Dutch flower designer, Mr Arjan Schep, was hired to come to Hong Kong specailly to style the Holland Pavilion. The Holland Pavilion has attracted many attention and admiration throughout the 10-day show. This annual flower show is a good opportunity to promote the Holland image and our quality flowers to local consumers.The Holland Pavilion has won the Gold Award for Unique Feature this year!

The guest of honour to officiate the opening of the flower show on 14 March was Mrs Tsang, wife of Chief Executive of Hong Kong SAR. Mrs Tsang was greeted by Mr Jan Soer (Deputy Consul-General) and Mr Henk van Duijn (Agricultural Counsellor) when she visited the Holland Pavilion. Mr van
Duijn has presented a beautiful tulip bouquet to Mrs Tsang on behalf of the Dutch participants.

We would like to thank the International Flower Bulb Centre, Rabobank International and AirFrance/KLM Cargo for their kind sponsorship. Also many thanks to the flower sponsors Anthura, Moerheim China and Chrysal for their splendid flowers and materials. The generous support of these sponsors made our participation to the Hong Kong Flower Show 2008 possible and successful.

Beijing’s Vice Mayor Niu Youcheng opens Keukenhof 2008 on March 19th

Together with his Royal Highness the Prince of Orange and Ms Erica Terpstra, Chairwoman of the Netherlands Olympic Committee & Sport Foundation, Mr. Niu Youcheng will conduct the official opening of this year's 59th edition of the international Keukenhof flower show. With assistance of the LNV office in the Embassy this high official of the Beijing Government was contacted and he accepted Keukenhof’s invitation.

This year, Keukenhof has chosen China, the 2008 Olympic Games and Beijing as the themes for the flower park. The Prince of Orange is a member of the International Olympic Committee. The opening ceremony will be held on Wednesday, 19 March. The flower show will be open to the public from 20 March until 18 May.

In addition to the theme highlighting the Olympic Games and Paralympics scheduled to be held this year in Beijing, the Keukenhof will also be focusing special attention on China’s cultural and historical significance through special events, the inspirational garden and a variety of shows. Over the past months, a total of seven million flower bulbs have been planted in the park in order to herald another vibrant and colourful spring at Keukenhof. In addition to traditional elements, this year the 32 hectare park will present visitors with many new developments, which are intended to turn it into a common ground between nature and culture. For more information please visit www.keukenhof.nl

November 26-27, High Level International Food Safety Forum Beijing

As part of the active promotion campaign of the Chinese State Council in respect to food safety the Chinese General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, the Ministry of Health in cooperation with the WHO organized a two day conference to exchange knowledge about food safety systems in place and the challenges to deal with food borne diseases. More than 40 countries and 20 international organizations were present in Beijing. Vice premier Wu Yi opened the conference what emphasized the importance the Chinese side attached to this forum. EU Commissioner Peter Mandelson was one of the VIP guests and he addressed a speech to the public in which he pointed at the great importance the EU attach to food safety, in particular in relation to Chinese products. This is a hot topic in Europe at the moment and puts pressure on the relation between the EU and the Chinese authorities.
Mr. Hans Jeuring, senior public health officer of the Netherlands’ Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (VWA) delivered a speech on the system in place in the Netherlands, an important import channel for food and other products from third countries. Mr. Willem Droppers, representing the OIE (the World Organization on Animal Health) informed the audience on the current work in the OIE in respect to food safety. Under the coordination of the WHO the participating countries decided to publish the so called Beijing declaration in which the importance of international cooperation in respect to food safety was amongst others underlined.

October 23, Kick off Dutch design tulip park at Huzhou, Zhejiang province

At 23 Oct, Maurice Pourchez, vice consul of economic affairs, and Nick Hong, agricultural assistant of the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Shanghai paid a visit to Huzhou, Zhejiang province. The Dutch landscape architect Mr. Niek Roosen designed a concept for Huzhou’s tulip park, which will cover 76 hectares. Mr. Ma Yi, Mayor of Huzhou, received the Dutch guests, including Mrs. Jacqueline van der Kloet (architect) and Xavier Young (Eco.S development). The whole project is financed by Feizhou Group, a Zhejiang-based company. According to the concept design, the whole project will consist of a central park (44.5 hectares) and a water-village (64 hectares) in addition to the tulip park. The first tulip blossom is scheduled for spring 2009. Mr. Roosen is well known in China: he developed the International Horticultural Expo 2006 in Shenyang and he is responsible for the landscape architecture of the Expo 2010 in Shanghai. The Dutch-Zhejiang agro ties are also developing: January this year the Agrofood mission had a match-making in Zhejiang and last year Mr. Henk van Duijn, agricultural counselor, made a presentation on the topic ‘China’s rural development’.

October 18-19, GLAST conference 2007 on agricultural science and technology innovations

The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) was host of the 2nd Global Forum of Leaders for Agricultural Science and Technology (GLAST) in Beijing. Together with the Food & Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) CAAS prepared this conference. From the Netherlands side Professor Rudy Rabbinge headed the delegation of Wageningen University and Research Centre. From governmental side Mr. Martin Olde Monnikhof, deputy director of the Department of Industry and Trade and Mrs. Gabrielle Nuytens-Vaarkamp, agricultural attaché, both of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality were present. The objectives of GLAST 2007 were to jointly analyze the key issues and develop new strategies for modern agricultural and rural development. Experiences and policies on agricultural science and technology innovation, agricultural resource management, environmental safety and rural development were exchanged. The conference proved to be a good platform to discuss current issues in world politics. The scientists discussed about the challenges in the biofuel discussions: should fuel, food or feed have the preference and how they interact. Another issue, positioned by Mr. Olde Monnikhof was the carbon food print discussion: how the international agricultural trade influence the global warming. All participants were satisfied about the outcome of the discussion and they agreed to organize in the near future a 3rd edition of GLAST.

September 24-27, AQSIQ tour for product quality and food safety

Organized by AQSIQ (General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People’s Republic of China), the diplomatic envoys from 15 countries were invited to inspect companies and CIQ’s in Guangdong province. A wrap-up meeting as held in Zhongshan city with represenatatives of local enterprises, inspection and quarantine authorities and government bodies. Many diplomatic envoys gave their impression about 3-day visits. Nick Hong, agricultural assistant of the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Shanghai, also made remarks: “Nowadays, some Chinese companies take risks to make fake-products or unsafe food for the simple reason that punishment they get once they are found out is very mild.” He suggested that Chinese government should take some measures on it. As a conclusion, Vice-Minister of AQSIQ mr. Wei Chuanzhong said: Chinese government attaches a great attention to product quality and food safety after some incidents were exposed about pet food, and toys in the United States. By this activity, he believed that diplomats had more clear pictures about product quality and food safety. He called for more know-how exchanges in international level.

September 22-23, the 9th Jiangsu Int’l AgriExpo opened in Xuzhou

The 9th Jaingsu International AgriExpo took place in Xuzhou at 22-23 September 2007. NBSO Nanjing, Mr. Nick Hong of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality Department of the Consulate General Shanghai and a 25-people delegation from HAS Den Bosch (Agricultural College) attended the opening ceremony and visited the exhibition. A Jiangsu-Noord Brabant Agriculture Forum was held during the AgriExpo. Mr. Koos Dekker, lecturer of Business Administration & Agriculture of HAS Den Bosch, gave a presentation about the Dutch Agriculture. Mr. Su Shili, deputy director of Jiangsu Agriculture and Forestry Department, introduced the Jiangsu agriculture and its investment in environment. Mr. Nick Hong, agricultural assistant made a presentation, titled “Opportunities and Challenges, share experiences from the Dutch agriculture”. Before the forum, Mr. Wang Runliang, deputy director of Jiangsu Provincial Government Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation, met the Dutch delegation. As a matter of fact, Jiangsu and Noord Brabant are sister-provinces. Both sides have been exchanging visits in recent years. Last year Mr. Ate Oostra, Director General of the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality took part in the Noord Brabant visit to Jiangsu.

September 19-20, DG Oostra attends EU-China FLEGT conference

On 19 and 20 September DG Ate Oostra and his delegation participated in the EU-China conference on trade in illegal logged timber. The in 2006 signed Heads of State Agreement between EU president Barosso and Chinese president Hui was the reason for this conference. The prevention of trade in illegal logged timber is mentioned as one of the fields for mutual cooperation and it’s is one of the issues of great importance to the Netherlands. China’s import of timber import has grown 500% in less than 10 years and has become one of the biggest wood processing countries in the world.
The conference in Beijing was organised by P.R. China State Forestry Administration, the European Commission, Germany and the United Kingdom. More than 250 people from 27 countries participated. Russia, Ghana, Malaysia, Indonesia, the United States and Australia were present. The Netherlands was represented by the official delegation headed by Mr. Oostra and two representatives of the Netherlands Timber Trade Association, Mr. Paul van den Heuvel and Mr. Ramon Bus. Mr. Han de Groot, deputy director of the Department of Nature of the Netherlands' Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality presented the audience the Dutch position towards FLEGT (Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade).
The conference ended with fruitful results. Unexpectedly China announced that it was willing to work with the Commission on a common verification system for the traceability of legal logged timber with the European identification system FLEGT as example. Mr. Oostra took the opportunity to have a bilateral meeting with the representatives of State Forestry Administration to discuss the bilateral cooperation between both countries. He also attended the bilateral meeting between the Commission and Malaysia to emphasize the good relationship between the Netherlands and this countries in which FLEGT is an important dossier. The placement of Mr. Vincent van den Berk as national expert for FLEGT at the European Commission delegation in Malaysia is a proof of this.
After the closing of the conference Mr. Ate Oostra and Mr. Vincent van den Berk flew to Yunnan province to visit the Sino-Dutch projects in forest management.

September 6-9, Kunming International Flower Exhibition 2007

The Netherlands were the most prominent foreign exhibitor this year during the Kunming International Flower Exhibition, taking place from September 6-9. Fifteen Dutch companies were present in the Holland Pavilion. Their products ranged from cut flowers and post harvest treatments solutions, to cold stores, substrates and greenhouse equipment as well as horticultural training courses. The LNV Bureau in Beijing together with the Netherlands Business Support Office (NBSO) in Kunming built the Pavilion and organized a number of other activities. Participants had the opportunity to sign up for B2B matchmaking sessions and field visits to Dutch as well as Chinese companies active in Yunnan. In addition, the Flower Council Holland in cooperation with its Chinese counterpart the Yunnan Flower Association and also NBSO Kunming, organized an EU sponsored seminar for Chinese professionals in horticulture. Subjects discussed were among others the implementation and control of breeder’s rights, marketing and organization of the horticultural chain and the importance of good quality planting material. Visitors could also listen in to professional growing seminars organized by a few Dutch companies or enjoy a vibrant, live flower design show.
The majority of the companies present in the Holland Pavilion have been active in the region for quite some time, be it with a representative office or production facility. For these participants, taking part in the Kunming International Flower Exhibition is a visible way to strengthen their contacts with existing customers during the period of the show.
This year a number of Dutch firms with no previous experience in Yunnan and/or China also participated in the flower exhibition. For them, the exhibition proved to be a handy fact-finding tool to get more insight in the local (production) market, the level and number of professional growers as well as potential customers and last but not least, networking with the various Dutch and international companies present.
The Kunming International Flower Exhibition has indeed become more international the past few years, with the Netherlands a leading foreign participator. Compared to similar events like the China Hortiflor or the Hong Kong Flower show however, the exhibition in Kunming is still a small scale happening.
Still, the LNV Bureau in Beijing as well as the NBSO office in Kunming regards the show as B2B platform with growing potential. Extra activities guarantee the participants to get a good insight in how Yunnan as China’s most prominent production area is developing. The expanding number of participants also indicates the growing interest of Dutch companies and institutes in the region. Besides export of planting material from the Netherlands, production of young plants and cut flowers in Yunnan, sourcing from Yunnan is slowly developing. The establishment of education and training programs also looks promising. When taking into account the professional level and size of local operations, these may well become a market on its own for specialized Dutch institutes.

In 2008, another Holland Pavilion will be built for the Kunming International Flower Exhibition. For more information please contact the LNV Bureau of NBSO Kunming in due course.

August 11-13, Equestrian Test Event in Hong Kong

Instead of staging the 2008 Olympic Equestrian Events in Beijing, the International Olympic Committee has made a decision in July 2005 to relocate the events to Hong Kong. It is because Hong Kong has an equine quarantine regime that meets international standard, and vast experience in the importation and repatriation of race horses. The horse care facilities of Hong Kong, including an equine hospital and laboratories, are also the best in Asia. The 2008 Olympic Equestrian Events in Hong Kong will consist of three disciplines: Dressage, Jumping and Eventing. The events will involve some 300 horses and 1150 athletes, and attract around 30,000 spectators and media. The Hong Kong Jockey Club, which invested USD100 million to build the venues, built the first air-conditioning indoor training ground in the world!

The Equestrian Events (Hong Kong) of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad Company Limited has organized a Test Event on 11-13 August 2007, to test the hardware and software prepared for the 2008 Olympic equestrian events. The event was named "Good Luck Beijing - Hong Kong 10th Anniversary Cup" competition. A field of riders and observers from leading equestrian nations including Australia, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United States attended the event. The event has received high praise from the international riders and authorities despite the wet and challenging weather (typhoon storm). The three-day event included dressage, cross-country and show jumping competitions. The Netherlands had sent two horses and a delegation of 8 persons to take part in the Test Event. The Dutch competitors participated in the Test Event were Mr Jan van Beek and Ms Madelaine Brugman. The group was pleased to have been experienced the Test Event. They were satisfied with the arrangements and the venues for the event.

In December 2006 the Netherlands established a protocol with Hong Kong for importation of horses for the 2008 Olympic equestrian events. In July 2007 the Netherlands had signed a Temporary Importation of Horses document with Hong Kong. The document enables horses to come to Hong Kong from the Netherlands for international races (e.g. the Test Event in August) and transit shipment of horses via Hong Kong.

July 23, Course “Facilitating International Trade: Impact of Food Safety, SPS Measures on Sustainable Market Development”

In the period of 23rd – 27th July, a tailor-made short course “Facilitating International Trade: Impact of Food Safety, SPS Measures on Sustainable Market Development” was organised by Wageningen International and LNV Office in Beijing. In total, 11 participants attended the course; and they are Agricultural Assistants of LNV from 7 countries and regions in Asia and South-east Asia, as well as 2 representatives from NABSO Offices in P.R.China. The course focused on following topics,

- principles of food safety, such as policies, legislations and standards
- current issues in food safety
- food safety in international trade: WTO SPS agreement, EU and third country requirements
- international trade and sustainable development

At the end, participants perceived the training as very relevant, interactive and fruitful; and expressed the wishes to have such event on the regional basis again in the future. Indeed, LNV in the Heague already took the course as a pilot; and corresponding decisions will be made based on the final evaluation for the capacity building of LNV Office in worldwide

June 22, Establishment of Sino-Dutch Seed Technology Research Center, Hangzhou

Mr. Freek Jan Frerichs (Science and Technology Department) and Mr. Nick Hong (agricultural assistant of the LNV office) of the Consulate General Shanghai attended the opening ceremony for the Sino-Dutch Seed Technology Research Center at Zhejiang Forestry University, Hangzhou, East China’s Zhejiang province. Mr. Mao Linsheng, vice governor, also showed up and met with the Dutch delegates. The Center is a joint initiative between Zhejiang Forestry University and Astec Global Seed Technology, the Netherlands.

The Center will develop environmental-friendly seed treatment technology according to Chinese agricultural characteristics. From Astec Global Seed Technology BV, Mr. Frederick Schreurs, Mr. Shou Jung Woo and Mr. Johan van Asbrouck came to Hangzhou especially for the opening. Mr. Bert van Duijn, science manager of Fytagoras BV, also witnessed the event. The establishment of the Sino-Dutch Seed Technology Research Center was one of the results of the joint match-making achievements between Senter Novem, EVD and the LNV Department in January 2007.

June 18-23, Successful Holland presence at Dairy Expo 2007

For the third year in a row the Netherlands were present with a Holland Pavilion at the annual Dairy Expo, organised by China Dairy Association. This important event, all members of the national and regional China Dairy Associations are present, took place in Nanjing (Jiangsu province). In total 12 (Sino-)Dutch companies, all stakeholders of NABSO Harbin, were present in Nanjing. The Holland Pavilion attracted a lot of public attention because of its size (with more than 200 m2 the biggest international pavilion), its attractive design and the interesting participants. The LNV office, in close cooperation with NABSO Harbin and NBSO Nanjing, hosted the Dutch mission to the Dairy Expo. During the briefing Mr. Erik Baudoin, Chief Representative of NABSO Harbin, informed the participants about the latest developments in the Chinese dairy sector and the activities of his office. NBSO Nanjing organised an interesting field visit to Nanjing Golden Sun Dairy company, a processor with an own milk supply that focuses on the regional (Jiangsu province) market.

Ms. Gabrielle Nuytens-Vaarkamp, the LNV attaché, attended the opening of the Expo and invited the VIP’s to visit the Holland pavilion. In the two days to follow, the participants of the Holland pavilion welcomed many high officials and businesses, also during the match making event organised by NBSO Nanjing. The following stakeholders were present: Agriprom, ALH Genetics, CRV, DairyCheq/Meko Holland, Dagin/The Friesian, Provimi, PTC+, Royal ERU Cheese, Schuitemaker, Sloten, Van Drie Group, Wellhope/de Heus, WUR and Yellow Valley. The participants very much appreciated the dinner meetings with representatives of China Dairy Association and Heilongjiang and Jiangsu authorities.

Also this year the LNV office organised in close cooperation with China Dairy Association a special Sino-Dutch seminar. This year’s seminar was titled ‘Demand driven dairy market’ and during her openings speech the LNV attaché shared her view on the growing importance of the consumer in China’s rapidly developing dairy market. Ms. Nuytens-Vaarkamp co chaired the seminar with vice president Mr. Xu Dianren of China Dairy Association. Mr. De Koning, of Wageningen University Animal Science Group, said that improving product quality will be the first priority for Chinese dairy and to do so man, methods, means and materials should be very well managed. Professor Yang Liguo of Huazhong Agricultural University and Mr. Venneman of CRV Holding BV gave their view on finding the right breeding material and improving it by selection and good breeding management. Looking at the feed component, Mr. Sijtsma of Sloten informed the audience about young stock management via optimal protein and fat content of the feed. Mr. Cortenbach pointed out the importance of Total Mixed Ratio feeding programs. Mr. Hu Hong Yu of Agriprom showed the public different ways to improve the well being of the animals which will effect positively production: not only in quantity but more important in quality. Both chairpersons agreed that once again the seminar proved to be an important platform for exchange between Dutch and Chinese companies and institutions.

During the evaluation of the mission participants expressed their satisfaction about the mission and the results. Thanks to the perfect cooperation between NABSO Harbin, NBSO Nanjing and Embassy’s LNV office, participants benefited from a well balanced program with plenty of opportunities to meet (potential) business partners.

Click here for the presentations given during the Sino-Dutch seminar: Huazhong University, Agriprom, CRV, Wellhope/De Heus, WUR

June 9-16, Netherlands Potato Trade Mission to the People's Republic of China

With the support of NIVAP, the Netherlands Potato Consultative Foundation and FME-GMV, the branch organization for manufacturers of equipment for food processing and packaging in the Netherlands, the Netherlands Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality organized this trade mission to Beijing, Inner Mongolia and Heilongjiang.

With 20% of the world potato production, China is the world's largest potato producing country. The main producing regions are Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan and Heilongjiang. These provinces account for about 60% of total production.
As a result of increasing affluence, notably in the larger cities and coastal areas, changing lifestyles and the growing popularity of fast food chains and supermarkets, consumption of potato based snacks such as chips but also French fries and dehydrated products for mashed potatoes are expected to increase. Chips are one of the most popular snack foods in China.
Consumption of potato chip and dehydrated potato flake is expected to grow by about 15-20% annually in cities. Domestic supply is insufficient to meet this demand and imports have increased from the US, Canada and Western Europe.
The Netherlands is also a world leading country as far as potato production is concerned. It is well known for its knowledge and experience in potato growing\ harvesting techniques, storage, transport, and processing.

June 7-8, Last Steering Committee Sino-Dutch Hunan Agriculture Demonstration and Training Project

At 7-8 June, Mr. Richard van den Bergh of the department of I&H LNV led an inspection team to Zhangjiajie, China’s Southwest Hunan province. Zhangjiajie is one of the two project locations of the 4th Sino-Dutch Demonstration and Training Project (project period 2004 to 2007). The inspection team included Mrs. Gabrielle Nuytens-Vaarkamp, agricultural attaché, Mr. Cor van Marion, department on Development Cooperation of the Embassy in Beijing and Mr. Nick Hong, department of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality in Shanghai. From the Chinese side, Madam Sun Guifeng, department of Int’l Cooperation of Ministry of Agriculture, and Mr. Hu Anbang, project officer of Provincial PMO, also visited the project’s location. It seemed that the project is on schedule. The inspection team, together with Chinese officials, went to two cooperatives, which are supported by the project. One cooperative raises 3000 mu citrus and 105 members are involved. In addition, the delegation also visited the demonstration grape yard, which covers some 100 hectares and is run by a cooperative. Both cooperatives performed quite successful. Actually the project has reached the final stage and will end this year. All parties attended the last Steering Committee of the project in which the project’s results were discussed. There was also an in depth discussion about the sustainability of the project after the Dutch side will hand over to project to the provincial authorities.

May 18, "T. BOER" Dutch veal chef's table in Hong Kong

On 18 May, Dutch veal exporter T. Boer has present, in co-ordination with their importer Angliss Hong Kong Food Service Limited, a Dutch veal promotional dinner at the Kowloon Shangri-La hotel to around 30 guests from the horeca sector, mainly chef's from leading hotels and restaurants in Hong Kong. On invitation of T. Boer, Mr Ben van Beurten, a renown Dutch chef flown in specially from Amsterdam to prepare 5 delicious cuts of Dutch veal in the evening and shared with the guests some of his innovative ideas on preparing Dutch milk feed veal. The composition of the menu included calf's tail, veal tartar, spareribs of veal, calf's tongue, veal meat and veal fillets etc. Dutch veal is
regarded as an upmarket item appears mainly on the menu of hotels and western restaurants. The chef's attended the dinner were impressed and enthusiastic on this extensive preparation with Dutch veal. Meanwhile, Angliss has received quite some positive feedback from the chef's after this promotional dinner.

May 16, First Sino-Dutch Food & Nutrition Seminar

The first Sino-Dutch Food & Nutrition Seminar was held in Beijing on May 16, 2007. This seminar was organized in cooperation with CAAS (Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences) and WUR (Wageningen University Research Center). This seminar is the kick-off of a new approach: a demand driven strategic cooperation between China and the Netherlands in the area of Food & Nutrition. As a result of this seminar a strategic agenda on bilateral cooperation will be established.

At this occasion the following topics were addressed: food safety, sustainable production (resource management and environment, biotechnology, biodiversity, new variety development), supply chain management, nutrition & health, food processing and structure & ingredients. Details of the program are in the attached document.

Dutch and Chinese speakers contributed to the program. Each topic contains a scientific as well as a business approach. Therefore prominent representatives of industry and highly esteemed scientists have been asked to present their perspectives. The aim was to present a good overview of the recent developments in the area of the Chinese food industry and related research.

Conclusions of the seminar: download HERE

Report of the seminar: download HERE

Programme: download HERE

Background paper programmatic approach Food & Nutrition. Download HERE.

May 13-19, Director General Ate Oostra attends events 35 years Sino-Dutch diplomatic relations

As former Ambassador to P.R. China Mr. Oostra has a special relation with China. Also in his current position as Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality China is high on his agenda. Mr. Oostra was the representative par excellence to be present during the events organised by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Beijing to celebrate 35 years of diplomatic ties between P.R China and the Netherlands. High officials from both countries attended the official opening of the new Residence in the Sanlitum Diplomatic Area. Together with the vice president of China Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Mr. Qu Dongyu, Mr. Oostra chaired the first Sino-Dutch Food and Nutrition Seminar on May 16th. The seminar was officially opened by Netherlands’ Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Maxime Verhagen and China’s Vice Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Niu Dun. More than 250 people attended the seminar, co-organized by the Embassy, WUR and CAAS.

Mr. Oostra took also the opportunity of staying in Beijing to pay courtesy visits to the State Forestry Administration and the Ministry of Land and Resources. With State Forestry Administration