Chinese agricultural deal signed

THE Department of Agriculture and Food in Ireland and the Ministry of Agriculture in China have signed a document on agricultural co-operation.

Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan said the memorandum will help to strengthen co-operation in a number of areas.

These include the quality and safety management of agricultural and food products, livestock breeding and husbandry, veterinary services, dairy co-operation, agribusiness and trade.

She said that while China had a vast agricultural sector it also had enormous potential as a market for quality food products.

Ireland had established highly developed food production skills and would be in a position to target this market.

Ms Coughlan said the memorandum would help to boost economic, scientific, technological, and trade co-operation in the agricultural sector between both countries.

The memorandum was concluded during the visit to Ireland of the China’s vice premier Zeng Peiyan.

Meanwhile, King Harald V of Norway witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between University College Dublin and the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science during his visit to Ireland last week.

It will allow the universities to exchange students, researchers and scientific materials of mutual interest.

The universities have also announced their intention to establish a jointly funded interdisciplinary chairman who will create and operate research teams.