Rice work if you can get it - CQUni extends research partnership
Published on 28 March, 2013
CQUniversity has signed an agreement with Australian Agricultural Crop Technologies to expand research with growers of dry land rice.
Late last year, Rockhampton Campus hosted AACT delegates along with Chinese-based New Margin Ventures and its local investment partner DG Global Group.
The visitors toured Centre for Plant and Water Science (CPWS) facilities, observed a dry land rice research program and finalised a collaborative agreement involving AACT funding for further dry land rice research.
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CQUniversity researcher Dr Surya Bhattarai said the delegates had detailed talks with CPWS about opportunities for extending collaboration on a number of other crops, and about hosting of an AACT Queensland branch at CQUniversity, to strengthen the collaboration and partnership.
"The visitors were delighted to have an opportunity to meet Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman along with deputy vice-chancellors of the University," Dr Bhattarai said.
"Both AACT and New Margin Ventures have expressed willingness to expand joint research and further cooperation on a wide range of agricultural enterprises that have potential for export to China.
The visitors inspect Plant and Water Science projects and facilities
"CQUniversity CPWS and our research partners and industry partners are optimistic about future cooperation and about signing a contract to initiate rice research as soon as possible."
AACT is large-scale grain and seed business which was represented by company coordinator/senior agricultural consultant Paul Stewart and senior agronomist Daryl Young.
New Margin Ventures is a leading venture capital management company which operates agribusiness co-investment in Australia with local partner DG Global Group and AACT. New Margin sent high-ranking representatives Cang Fenghua and Wang Huadong, while DG Global Group managing director Dolly Fu was also present and played a major role facilitating discussion with the Chinese investment group.
