12th China Agricultural Trade Fair opens in Qingdao

12th China Agricultural Trade Fair opens in Qingdao

The 12th China Agricultural Trade Fair (CATF 2014) kicked off at Qingdao International Convention Center in Qingdao, Shandong on Oct.25, 2014.

It was co-sponsored by MOA and the People's Government of Shandong Province. Minister Han Changfu and Mr. Sun Wei, Executive Vice Governor of Shandong Province, addressed the opening ceremony and toured the Fair.

In his speech, Minister Han stated that under the leadership of governments at all levels and the hard work of hundreds of millions of farmers, China has kept a stable and growing agriculture sector and achieved another bumper harvest in 2014 despite of multiple unfavorable conditions.

He also pointed out that, besides good harvest in grain production, 2014 sees steady growth in the output ofother agri-products, particularly meat, egg, milk, fruits, vegetables, tea and aquatic products. China is enjoying diversified and ample food supply. Farmers'' income continues to grow fast in 2014. The progress in agriculture and rural economy in China bolstered the national economic and social development.　

Minister Han stressed, while ensuring food production, agricultural authorities should also facilitate the distribution and marketing of agri-products. In this regard, efforts should be made in the following areas: functioning of government regulation and market mechanism, contract farming, innovative marketing (eg. e-commerce), marketing services for farmers, and development of market system for production areas. All these efforts aim at bringing tangible increase in farmer''s income based on their good harvest.

He also hoped that suppliers and purchasers from home and abroad capitalize on the business opportunities created by CATF 2014 to carry out close cooperation. 

CATF 2014 pursues its purpose of "demonstrating achievements, facilitating communication and promoting trade' to build itself into the most influential agricultural trade platform in China.It highlights trade talks, marketing, consumption transition, agri-product quality and safety, rural reform and modern agriculture.　

The exhibition covers an area of over 60,000 square meters. It has 40 groups of exhibitors, namely 33 provincial-level groups (including those from Taiwan and Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps), one group of international exhibitors and six groups of specialized sectors (IT application in agriculture, veterinary supplies and animal drugs, tea, agricultural heritage conservation, fisheries and farm machinery).