Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

AALP Class 14 International Study Tour - February 17 to 20, 2013

Sunday, February 17 & Monday, February 18, 2013

AALP Class 14 arrived at Pearson International Airport on time for departure on our International Study Tour to India.  After a short delay everyone was eager to get started on our trip.  The first leg took us to Brussels where we were informed we were in for an 8 hour layover.  Most of the class was able to catch some sleep or to sample some wonderful Belgium beer.  Remi Van de Slyke, Mark Hermann and Graham Hoogterp joined the main group after their own pre-study tour trips in Belgium and the Netherlands.  So after a lengthy delay we were off to New Delhi, India, arriving there at 4:00 a.m.  

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

AALP Class 14 has finally arrived in India! At 4:00 a.m. the plane arrived at the New Delhi airport. After a quick refresh at the hotel, the class was off to the High Commission of Canada to hear from a plethora of its employees including the High Commissioner (Ambassador), Stewart Beck; AAFC representative in India, Kathleen Donohue; and other representatives who discussed such topics as politics and economy in India and engagement of Canada, and Ontario in particular, in India. Also on-hand to meet with the class was Sara Ahmed, who represents IDRC's agricultural projects in Canada. She explained many of the ongoing projects, most of which partner with the University of Guelph. Interesting learnings from the morning included better understanding of the relationships between India and Canada, the politics of India and advancements in this area, and where the High Commission of Canada would most like to see relationships between the two countries further flourish (trade, improvement of Indian agricultural practices, opportunities for shared learning). The class was then back to the hotel to pick up their belongings and then off by over-night train to Mumbai – and hopefully a better night sleep for everyone!

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

For some AALP Class 14 members it was a good sleep, others not so much, due to the cramped quarters on the train. Either way, we arrived in Mumbai where we were greeted with some hot and humid weather. A quick check in at the Fariyas Hotel and we were on a bus checking out the expansive, twenty million person city. The afternoon of sightseeing included the Prince of Wales Museum, the Mahatma Ghandi Museum, a general tour of the city (with local guide), and a view of the most expensive house in the world a two billion dollar, 400,000 sq. ft. establishment housing 5 people and employing 400. This house, found in the richest part of the Mumbai Malaban Hill, is owned by Mr. Umbani, owner of Reliance Industries, the richest man in India.  Another interesting stop on the tour was the largest laundry facility in India, an outdoor wash, dry, iron, fold and deliver business called the Dohbi Ghat. After a visit to the Gate of India, we returned to the hotel for a late dinner and to catch up on some much needed rest, in preparation for an early start tomorrow. 

Mike Menzi, Remi Van De Slyke, Michelle Wall - AALP Class 14 Bloggers

Views: 630

Comment

You need to be a member of Ontario Agriculture to add comments!

Join Ontario Agriculture

Comment by OntAG Admin on February 21, 2013 at 2:59pm

Some AALP India Tour Photos here  http://ontag.farms.com/photo

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Sask Farmer Say he Knows Why Fertilizer Companies Come Out Ahead When Markets are Disrupted

As fertilizer prices remain volatile, one Saskatchewan farmer argues the system is stacked against producers.

U.S. ethanol industry sets its sights on the world

Canada remains the top export market for U.S. ethanol, purchasing 757 million gallons of the fuel in 2024-25. The country blended the fuel at a 10 per cent level (E10) nationwide last year, with some provinces adopting an E15 mandate. “As they continue to move to E15, they could be our first billion-gallon market,” Ryan LeGrand, president of the U.S. Grains and Bioproducts Council, told delegates attending the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 102nd annual Agricultural Outlook Forum. The United States shipped out a record 2.13 billion gallons of ethanol around the world in 2024-25, up from the 1.75 billion gallons exported the previous year. LeGrand said the goal is to continue expanding exports until the country is fully using its two billion gallons of excess production capacity. There are plenty of promising markets, but Mexico tops the list. The country passed an E10 mandate in 2017, but it was later struck down by the courts due to a technicality. Mexico’s new president, Clau

Secretary Naig, Iowa 4-H, Iowa FFA Announce Statewide Tree Planting Initiative in Honor of America250

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, in collaboration with Iowa 4-H and Iowa FFA, today announced a statewide tree planting initiative in honor of America’s 250th birthday. The youth-driven initiative aims to plant 250 trees across Iowa in 2026, connecting students with the state’s agricultural heritage and a commitment to stewardship and service. The initiative encourages Iowa youth to take an active role in conserving the land that has sustained generations of farmers while celebrating the values that have shaped our nation and our communities. “Planting a tree is a simple act that benefits future generations,” said Secretary Naig. “Through this initiative, Iowa 4-Hers and FFA members have an opportunity to honor our nation’s history while strengthening their communities. I encourage chapters and clubs across the state to join us in celebrating this milestone moment in our nation’s history by planting an official A250 tree in their communities that will live on for generations.

EMILI celebrates women producers during International Year of the Woman Farmer

2026 is International Year of the Woman Farmer, celebrating the essential, and often unrecognized roles that women play across the agrifood system. This International Women’s Day, EMILI is spotlighting six women producers who play an integral role in Canadian agriculture.  Over the past few years, we’ve had the privilege of connecting with several women who play an integral role on farms as part of our This is Agriculture campaign. Read more about each woman below, and follow the links to read their whole story. Jordyn Wiebe Jordyn Wiebe grew up on her family’s farm, J.P. Wiebe Ltd., in MacGregor Manitoba. She spent her childhood working odd jobs to help the farm’s potato operation, and while she initially began her career off the farm, she was drawn back to her roots when she returned to become J.P. Wiebe Ltd.’s bookkeeper and farm and food safety manager. Read Jordyn’s story here. Jill Verwey Jill Verwey lives and breathes agriculture, holding roles as the office manager for Ver

Ontario Veterinary College at U of G Names New Dean  

The University of Guelph is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Julia Montgomery, dean of the? Ontario Veterinary College (OVC).

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service