by Chris Jackson, Export Manager, UK TAG
Here we are into another year so firstly I would like to wish you all a very Prosperous 2018
Looking back on 2017 for me, a great privilege to have been able to visit many different countries and see our diverse industry in so many forms. From the vast corporate farming industry where food is produced on an industrial scale, to the subsistence farming systems of the world where people rely totally on their ability to grow their own food - simply to live with no other sources of income.
In most of the countries that I visit, there is real concern from their Governments to try and raise living standards; this is often very restricted by the amount of land that is held by these people. Some counties such as the Philippines, Indonesia and India understand this problem and are actively encouraging diversification, by getting their farmers to adopt different farming methods; moving from growing small areas of rice or cereals to livestock production.
Here we are into another year so firstly I would like to wish you all a very Prosperous 2018
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| Chris Jackson |
Looking back on 2017 for me, a great privilege to have been able to visit many different countries and see our diverse industry in so many forms. From the vast corporate farming industry where food is produced on an industrial scale, to the subsistence farming systems of the world where people rely totally on their ability to grow their own food - simply to live with no other sources of income.
In most of the countries that I visit, there is real concern from their Governments to try and raise living standards; this is often very restricted by the amount of land that is held by these people. Some counties such as the Philippines, Indonesia and India understand this problem and are actively encouraging diversification, by getting their farmers to adopt different farming methods; moving from growing small areas of rice or cereals to livestock production.
The scenario is to start with a few chickens for eggs and meat, building these up. Then moving onto pig production, which gives an even better income stream, because of the fast breeding turn around and the enhanced food conversion of the modern animal. Then on to dairy and beef production, and where possible also fish farming with tilapia and shrimp.
In the rural areas access to quality feed can be problematic with poor infrastructure and access to markets, this is not helped by having high prices for small quantity delivery, needed to supply these markets or the cash needed to get systems started. Direct subsidies have never worked; even here in the western world they are not the answer.
Indonesia, I believe is setting a very good example by helping communities to help themselves, by establishing co-operatives at village and regional levels, increasing buying and selling power.
Education and training are vital elements to improving livelihoods along with this there is a need to keep people on farms and stop the rush to cities to improve their incomes and living standards where so many dreams are smashed by the realities of city life.
Increasing food production alone is not enough, food processing is another way to quickly improve farm incomes, this necessitates capital expenditure and it is here that Governments and banks will need to assist.
Read the full article, HERE.
The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.
For additional daily news from milling around the world: global-milling.com
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