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

Welcoming Visitors: Show Off Your Herd Safely

Welcoming visitors onto your beef operation for tours, sales or informal stock viewings is a great way to connect and tell your story, but it also opens the door to a serious risk: disease. Every visit—whether from neighbours, tourists or family—carries the potential to introduce or spread disease to or from your operation. Good biosecurity practices help manage these risks while also reducing the probability of disease at the herd, national and even international levels. It’s important to understand why biosecurity matters during tours, as well as what actions should be in place before, during and after tours to minimize risk. Why Biosecurity Matters During Tours Biosecurity planning and precautions should be implemented during tours to limit the potential spread of disease to your livestock. This not only helps protect against significant reportable and trade-limiting diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease, but also helps reduce the spread of endemic diseases, such as bovine viral

Health Canada opens consultations on drone pesticide applications

Health Canada is looking at allowing drone applications of pesticides

CWRC review of Canadian wheat breeding innovation system confirms significant gaps and risks

The Canadian Wheat Research Coalition (CWRC) has completed its review of the Canadian wheat breeding innovation system. The review, which was conducted by Synthesis Agri-Food Network, featured comprehensive analysis of related reports and studies, as well as interviews with 29 key stakeholders. This process confirmed three crucial facts about the current wheat breeding landscape in Western Canada: 1. The Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) wheat breeding program is an integral part of western Canadian wheat variety development. 2. The current wheat breeding system is at risk from recent and historic budget cuts, especially at the variety development and pre-market evaluation stages. 3. Wheat breeding is a long-term process and decisions made today will impact agriculture decades into the future. “It’s clear that the status quo is not a viable path forward,” says CWRC chair Jocelyn Velestuk, CWRC chair and a farmer near Broadview, SK. “Our system has been incredibly productive

Protein Industries Canada partners with nine companies to boost domestic food production and strengthen Canada’s food supply chain

Today, Protein Industries Canada announced the second cohort of companies participating in its Strengthening the Canadian Supply Chain Program: nine companies that span the value chain, focused on bringing their supply chains home to Canada and advancing the country’s value-added opportunity. This initiative builds on Protein Industries Canada’s efforts to increase domestic food and ingredient processing as a key market for Canadian crops. By working with companies to Make It Here, Protein Industries Canada is driving increased food production and value-added agriculture in Canada—critical factors for strengthening Canada’s supply chain and economy. “The Government of Canada is committed to shifting Canada’s economy from reliance to resilience—building strength at home and reinforcing the supply chains that secure our prosperity,” said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. “Through Protein Indust

Rollins, Vaden, and Forst Announce Disposal of Dilapidated USDA Facilities

Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and Deputy Secretary Stephen A. Vaden, joined by General Services Administrator Edward C. Forst, announced the imminent disposal of the South Building and Braddock Place, returning resources to the American taxpayer, effectuating the vision of President Donald J. Trump, and reducing the real estate footprint of the U.S. Government in the National Capital Region. “This is a long overdue move to protect American taxpayer dollars from being wasted on expensive real estate inside the Washington, D.C. area when our government should be closer to the farmers and ranchers we serve,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “More than 85 percent of the South Building is unoccupied and there is a $1.6 billion backlog in deferred maintenance. It is simply unacceptable to put these costs on the taxpayer. We are being strong stewards of taxpayer dollars while also ensuring top notch customer service and fulfilling our promises to American farmers.” “P

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service