Paggi observes Chinese ag production

By Jodie Mocciaro
University Relations student-intern

Mechel Paggi, director of Center for Agricultural Business at Fresno State , was among a U.S. delegation of five scientists who went to China to explore agricultural production and marketing developments affecting California agriculture.

During the visit the group traveled more than 1,800 miles and made several stops within the Shandong , Shanxi and Shaanxi provinces. The group observed the production and storage facilities of onions, garlic, walnuts, peanuts, peaches, apricots and apples.

Paggi said these Chinese provinces are similar to the Central Valley in that they have increased the production of horticultural products and they have water deficit issues.

"It is interesting that what we expected to happen in China and what is actually happening are coming together," said Paggi. "Rather than a land-intensive production, China is moving toward labor-intensive production of horticultural products."

Storage of these horticultural products also has been an issue. New storage facilities are being constructed in Chinese regions near the bigger cities. Last year approximately 90 million people moved from rural areas to cities, which caused an increase in demand for fruits and vegetables in the urban areas.

The trip, sponsored by the Chinese government, allowed American agriculture scientists and economists to discuss production and trade issues between the two countries. The California Agricultural Technology Institute (CATI) partially funded Paggi's participation in the Chinese delegation.

Additional information about Chinese and Californian agricultural issues is available on the Center for Agricultural Business Web site, http://cati.csufresno.edu/cab.