Chinese agribusiness leaders to receive instruction in Wisconsin trade
Released: June 3, 2002
A delegation of 17 Chinese business leaders from a variety of agricultural sectors will be receiving training at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater during the week of June 8-15 to enhance agricultural trade between China and Wisconsin.
Their visit is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), the only 2001 grant funded in Wisconsin for trade purposes. It is part of the Emerging Markets Program and involves a partnership with UW-Whitewater and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture.
The Chinese group will spend time in the classroom learning about business topics presented by UW-Whitewater faculty. In addition, they will go on industry tours including a local dairy farm, the Hoard Dairy Museum and farm in Fort Atkinson, a Jefferson County Dairy Breakfast, Farm & Fleet in Janesville, a visit to UW-Madison, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture and a reception at the Governor’s Mansion
The intent of the program is also to benefit the agribusiness market in Wisconsin, which has suffered in the last decade due to the dairy industry decline. Joseph Domitrz, former dean of the College of Business & Economics and program coordinator, noted that the entire industry could see a turn-around if new markets, such as China, would become more receptive to Wisconsin products.
“The ability to reach these markets is mind-boggling for the small farmer and small business, but they need to look at it with a holistic viewpoint,” said Domitrz. “ The Chinese wish to educate their CEOs and CFOs to a degree equal to the western world. If we can educate Chinese executives about some of our management and finance techniques and combine that with exposure to the agribusiness that exists in Wisconsin, this market may open to state businesses.”
Some items that could be potentially exported to China include: grains, grass seeds, poultry, snack foods, fresh fruits, beef and pork, dairy ingredients, seafood, forest products and food processing equipment.
For more information or companies that wish to meet with the Chinese delegation should contact Carla Lenk at (262) 472-3217 or lenkc@uww.edu or Joseph Domitrz at domitrzj@uww.edu. For media interested in a schedule of events, contact Brian Mattmiller at (262) 472-1194.
- Brian Mattmiller,npa@uww.edu
