Return from the Ukraine

[charliep]

I can't disagree with your point on technology. In the new global market which includes internet, it is hard to keep basic technology secret.

On the grain, there is a need for more discipline among the newly emerging grain exporters. The issue in the Ukraine is cash flow and grading standards that don't necessarily mesh with the world. Farmers have to sell for cash, grain storage facilities are poor and the Ukraine typically dumps onto the market in the fall. Working with them to understand quality needs of customers/value and improved systems of storage all will contribute to more disciplined marketers versus simple dumping.

On the bio diesel/ethanol front, I would argue increasing Ukrainian production is a good thing for Canada. The Ukraine has heavy reliance on Russia for fuel - not a good thing is you are wanting to be independent from your former master. Much can and will be used domestically. There is a protein deficit in the Ukraine for livestock so this product has a home.

In terms of Europe, I don't think anyone knows/understands the impact of their bio fuel commitments. Oilseed production around the world is going to have to be going full out just to meet this need. If Europe falls far enough outside meeting this target (realizes unachievable), then they are likely to back off on the policy. To create the bio fuels industry, the big push should be on the demand side. Right now the demand side is based on government regulation (Europe) and subsidies (US 50 cents and US $1/litre subsidies). If the above incentives were taken away, bio fuels would not make progress in either one of these countries. World oil prices are still too cheap.

[cottonpicken]

If the situation was reversed would they help us?

[cottonpicken]

Why is farming different from any other industry?

[TOM4CWB]

Cottonpicken,

Food is different from consumable products that are not necessary for staying alive.

It is a honourable goal and person who helps teach someone, to learn how to feed a hungry world...

Global terrorism is based often on the premise that the "western world" is all about "profit" on the backs of the hungry & poor people of this world.

Thanks Charlie for helping break this perception by giving of your knowledge and skills to those less fortunate than ourselves!

Developing Global Peace is much more important than a few $$$ especially to our next generation of Canadian farmers!

We will be required to transition at some time any way... lets put a plan together and all do better!

[charliep]

Have by passed a couple of questions so will try to answer.

wd9 - How much value to Alberta/Canadian farmers? Not a lot right now although there is room for trade linkages over time? Livestock genetics, equipment, seed varieties, etc are all potential trade activities. I have also had interest from Canadian farmers who are considering setting up there (I owe someone an email who is following but seem to have lost). Lots of barriers and risks but is doable.

Cottonpicken - Would they help us out? The answer is no at the moment at the government and business level - you have to watch the government controversy which means they are having enough trouble looking after themselves. Longer term there will be opportunities to trade information. They are a very talented and resourceful people.

I'll have a question of you. How many would enjoy the opportunity to sit across the table from farmers in the Ukraine of a similar size/enterprise structure and share information?

[Vader]

UNIVERSITIES HELP REBUILD IRAQI AGRICULTURE
By New Mexico Business Weekly
December 19, 2006

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved $5.3 million to finance efforts by a new university consortium to help Iraq rebuild its agricultural base.

New Mexico State University will participate in the consortium, which will be led by Texas A&M University and will include Washington State University, Utah State University and the University of California at Davis.

In addition to the $5.3 million grant, another $2.5 million is designated for USDA staff stationed in Iraq and Washington, D.C., who will support the project.

The program will build an agricultural extension service in Iraq with training and supervision from the universities. The participants will train Iraqi nationals in management, production and marketing related to small- and medium-sized agricultural enterprises. They will specifically address crop production in arid environments, livestock development, animal health, irrigation technology, and efficient water management.

NMSU will help train extension specialists and set up distance-learning programs. NMSU also will conduct train-the-trainer programs and help with crop trials, demonstration plots and laboratory research.

Most of the training will take place at a research facility in neighboring Jordan.

[charliep]

Vader

Thanks for posting.

Interesting enough, USAID/several of the Universities have been very active in the Ukraine although have pulled out now (end of their mandate). The most successful NGO in developing extension activities has be DIFID (don't know what translates into) sponsored by Britian and in one oblast (state if you like).

[charliep]

Should be DFID - United Kingdom Department for International Development. Website - http://www.dfid.gov.uk/default.asp