Chinese delegation went to the UK and Italy to study the management model of orchards

From 19th, June,2019 to 28th, June, 2019, the UK-China sustainable agricultural innovation network (SAIN) organized together, the Chinese delegation including 6 people from SAIN secretariat of China, professor Tong Yan’an from Northwest Agricultural & Forest University, Shaanxi grapes, kiwi, cherry, apple cultivation professional cooperatives, agricultural co., LTD. They investigated the relevant farms and fruit enterprises in Italy and Britain, aiming to understand the modern orchard cultivation mode, management technology and specific technology and practice of fruit harvest and storage, to improve the cognition and ability of Chinese fruit growers' orchard management, and facilitate the transformation and upgrading of Chinese orchard cultivation mode. Adamo Domenico Rombola, a professor at the University of Bologna, was invited by Italy, while Dr Yuelai lv, head of the SAIN secretariat, was invited by the UK. They were accompanied by professor David Powlson of the Rothamsted Research, professor David Norse of University College of London, and Mr. Geng Junwu, Mr. Liang Boshu of the Embassy of China administration of foreign experts affairs.

The Italian orchards include Biochim, Spreafico Farm, Tebano Farm, visited Astra winery, Masellina winery; In the UK, they investigated G H Dean & Co Ltd enterprise farms, Newlands Farm, Flanders Farm and Goathams enterprises.

In Italy to investigate the vineyards, kiwi, persimmon orchard, apricot orchard and cherry orchard. Organic vineyards are a feature of Italy. The cultivation mode of pear orchard, apple orchard and cherry orchard was investigated in the UK, as well as the processing and storage technology of cherry after harvest, fertilization and management technology of orchard, as well as the processing production line and sales mode of fruits and vegetables in the later stage.

The Chinese delegation appreciated the technical achievements in Italian and British agriculture. The two sides agreed to learn from the management of orchards in Italy and Britain, including cultivation mode, integrated management of water and fertilizer, management of organic orchards and organic fruits, fertilization management and other technologies, and establish corresponding demonstration experiment in China, under the technical guidance of British experts and farmers. The two sides agreed that both China, the UK and Italy should work to improve fruit production and research on sustainable agriculture, and to minimize the adverse impact of agriculture on the environment. The Chinese delegation looks forward to more cooperation with the two countries in the field of agricultural science and technology.

The UK and Italy have a long history of agriculture, and both countries have their own advantages in agricultural development. The two sides look forward to using the UK-China sustainable agricultural innovation network (SAIN) as a platform to carry out technical exchanges, strengthen demonstration applications and promote long-term agricultural cooperation between China, the UK and Italy.

Dr Yuelai Lv, head of the SAIN secretariat (UK), said the visit was an excellent opportunity for Chinese, UK and Italian agricultural officials, agricultural management, farmers and academics to share knowledge and learn from each other. We look forward to organizing more mutual learning activities to support the green development of agriculture in both countries