SAC Signs Understanding with Chinese Province of Jilin

Scotland’s contacts with China have been strengthened following the signing of agreements at the Royal Highland Show by SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) and senior representatives from the Province of Jilin.

The (MoU) Memorandum of Understanding between SAC, Jilin Agricultural University and the Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences marks a shared intent to explore joint opportunities in sustainable agriculture, climate change and rural development.

Jilin Province lies in the centre of China's northeast region bordering North Korea and Russia. It covers 19,000 sq Km with a population of over 27 million people. Rich in minerals with a vibrant mountain and winter sports sector it is also important for agriculture and forestry. In the west there are beans and sorghum with grasslands and livestock (representing half of Jilin’s agricultural economy). In the centre lie the fertile plains of the maize belt (50% of China’s corn exports), grain (10% of China’s production), soybean and potatoes. To the east there is forestry, herbs (85% of China’s ginseng), vegetables and fruit.

The eleven strong delegation from Jilin represented the highest level of authority in the Province across a spectrum of political, academic and commercial activity. It was led by the Vice Governor and included Director Generals of Agriculture, Forestry and Development. They were accompanied by senior representatives of the grain, water, food and oil trading and dairy sectors. Signing the MoU with SAC were Qin Guixin, President of the Agricultural University of Jilin, and Yue Derong, President of the Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences (Northeast Agricultural Research Centre of China).  

Signing both documents on behalf of SAC was Chairman, Lord Jamie Lindsay;
 
“I visited Jilin Province last year and was impressed with their commitment to a sustainable, modern agricultural sector. The rural communities of Jilin face similar challenges to those we are facing and I believe SAC and its partners have much to offer and much to learn from the relationship we can build. Representatives from SAC and the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society have already been invited out to Jilin again in August. We will also visit Jilin’s famous China Changchun International Agriculture and Food Fair, reputed to be the largest agricultural show in the world, and participate in the third “EU-China Agricultural Seminar”.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Richard Lochhead, who attended the signing and met the visitors from Jilin, fully supports the initiative.

“In recent years, Scotland has strengthened its engagement with China and today’s announcement builds on these already strong bonds.”

“We believe it’s important to continue broadening and deepening Scotland’s relationship with China, particularly as we work to maximise Scotland’s growth potential as we emerge from the global downturn.”

“I look forward to hearing more about the benefits of this memorandum of understanding as both Scotland and the Province of Jilin work to tackle some of the 21st century’s greatest challenges, including climate change and sustainability.”

The visiting delegation from Jillin took time at Ingliston to visit other parts of the Royal Highland Show, including the livestock lines and the Food Hall. Group also visited the Quality Meat Scotland stand and the displays mounted by the SEARS Group, including the Forestry Commission, SNH and SEPA.