Marcus Bates and Rob Grinnall were invited to meet an inward mission of delegates from China. The meeting, hosted by Gabriel Robinson of DBT at the Old Admiralty Building, provided an opportunity to explore areas of common interest in agriculture.
Attendees included:
- Meilin Yi, Head of Agri-Tech and Sustainability at the Chinese Consulate in Shanghai
- Jeff and Yubin, representing Compassion in World Farming China
- Lucky Wu, RSPCA China
- Two senior delegates from the Beijing Livestock Company, & Beijing DBN Technology Group.
One of the delegates described managing a 500-hectare woodland farm adjacent to an airport, which integrates free-range poultry production with agri-tourism.
UKTAG delivered a presentation highlighting its work and showcasing the UK’s strengths in livestock and genetic capabilities. The Chinese delegation emphasised their pressing need to improve agricultural productivity to feed their population, while ensuring the welfare of farmed animals. This aligned closely with UKTAG’s message—that more productive, higher-value animals tend to encourage farmers to invest in better care and management.
The visitors expressed strong interest in the role of productivity gains in enhancing sustainability, animal welfare, and farmer livelihoods. Farm assurance schemes were discussed in detail, with delegates requesting further information on those used in the UK. In the context of promoting trade, they also expressed particular interest in feed additives as a way to reduce reliance on antibiotics.
Prior to this meeting, the group had been hosted by Harper Adams University, where they saw agricultural innovation and research and by Jeremy Clarkson at Diddly Squat Farm, which they described as an “amazing” experience.
Looking ahead, it is hoped that—through Compassion in World Farming—UKTAG may be invited to speak in China on its work, and on how UK genetics can help improve both productivity and sustainability.
