Agri-environmental firm Alltech E-CO2 has a strong track record of success in Europe and in Oceania trials.

[ROSEWORTHY, Australia] – Global animal nutrition leader Alltech has introduced Alltech E-CO2 to strengthen its service offering to livestock producers in Oceania. Alltech E-CO2 provides on-farm environmental assessments and programs for producers, processors, retailers and governments to measure and reduce the emissions associated with producing agricultural products. After an initial pilot phase in Oceania, Alltech E-CO2 is excited to provide Carbon Trust certified Oceanic models to the Australian and New Zealand industries.

“Through the analytical tools of Alltech E-CO2, we are able to work alongside producers to make gains in their herds’ efficiency and their farms’ profitability, all while lowering their carbon footprint,” said Matthew Smith, Alltech vice president of Asia-Pacific. “Today’s producers do not need to make a choice between profitability and sustainability. Alltech E-CO2’s data proves they can achieve both.”

Alltech E-CO2, with its headquarters based in the United Kingdom, has developed a portfolio of environmental software and services in response to the need to further understand and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture and the food chain. Its clients range from small family farms to integrated livestock operations and commercial feed mills, as well as large retailers and processors increasingly under pressure to reduce their environmental footprint and meet government and corporate sustainability targets.

“Alltech believes that the future of agriculture depends on solutions that are beneficial to the animal, consumer and environment,” said Dr. Susanne Roth, Alltech E-CO2 coordinator for Alltech Oceania. “We believe passionately that reducing the environmental impact of agriculture involves simultaneously delivering value to the farmer.”

Alltech E-CO2 assessments determine the environmental impact of a farm as a holistic measure of overall efficiency. Assessments are directly linked to physical and financial performance, where custom feeding regimes and management practices can be developed to sustainably improve farm efficiency and profitability.

Recent environmental assessments conducted by Alltech E-CO2 on 58 dairy and 11 beef units across Europe has shown how farm efficiency improvements can boost profitability whilst also reducing the carbon footprint of the enterprise. In the study, which was carried out utilising Alltech E-CO2 environmental tools, various herd efficiency improvements delivered an average of €238 (AUS $358) extra per cow per year for dairy and €44 (AUS $66) extra per head per day for beef, and there was a significant drop in carbon emissions.

To learn more about how Alltech E-CO2 can help you and your agricultural production, visit www.alltech-e-co2.com or email Susanne Roth at sroth@alltech.com.

To listen to our entire conversation with Matthew, click on the player.

Tom:                      Where is the world’s most exciting animal nutrition market? Matthew Smith is here to tell us about that. Hint: Matthew is Alltech vice president of Asia-Pacific. Thank you for being with us, Matthew.

Matthew:                It’s a great pleasure.

Tom:                      Let’s go to that question. What country is home to the most exciting nutrition market?

Matthew:                One word: Vietnam.

Tom:                      And why is that?  

Matthew:                I would describe Vietnam as the most dynamic marketplace for agribusiness and agri-food currently within the Southeast Asian region. It’s probably best to put Vietnam in context with the Asian countries: It has the second-highest population density of the Asian countries. Of course, number one is Singapore. Singapore is a completely different model. Food security is the main concern in Singapore. But in Vietnam, we have many hidden treasures that are yet to be discovered globally, which are making a big difference in the industry in Vietnam. They have the potential to change the way in which other countries produce protein by adopting the right technology and the right platforms to get to the consumer.

Tom:                      What are the dynamics in Vietnam? What’s driving this?

Matthew:                The consumer. It’s very much a move toward growth in the middle-income bracket and the desire to westernize. Food is very much about culture in Asia, and culture is about food. The two are inseparable.

                              We do see a significant shift toward well-being and wellness and a more informed choice about food, maybe food with a story.

                                Clearly, the dominant segment of the industry — the highest consumption — is pork. When we look at that as a metric in the feed industry, pork or swine feed would account for about 64 to 65 percent of the 19 million tons of feed consumed annually in Vietnam. The majority of the remainder is poultry feed, so it’s really very conventional.  

                               However, we’re seeing big growth now in the move toward packaged and processed food. And, ironically, the biggest segment of the packaged food market is milk. I would describe milk as probably the real disruptor at the moment within the Vietnamese industry.

Tom:                      Can you elaborate on that?

Matthew:                I say the biggest disruptor because, where is the largest centralized dairy in the world?

Tom:                      Vietnam?

Matthew:                Good answer. That wouldn’t be apparent to most people. When we say centralized dairy, there is a business in the central part of Northern Vietnam that was originally a joint venture with an Israeli conglomerate and the Vietnamese government. They decided that they were going to produce milk in what effectively is a desert. And they now milk 42,000 cows on one farm, with the majority of the feed being produced on the farm in terms of total mixed rations.

                              The business is called TH Milk. It’s a fully integrated operation, a runaway success story in terms of the utilization of technology, whether it be milking technology or feeding technology or technology that they use to purify the water for the cows to drink. Also, the way in which they process all of the effluent and waste from the dairy farm so that you will have an entirely sustainable unit.

                               But, when we talk about disruption, it’s the way in which that milk is sold. Milk is very much seen as a premium drink. Domestically, the dairy industry within Vietnam only produces about 28 percent of demand. So, that creates a huge opportunity. The business, TH Milk, and other businesses that operate in a similar fashion have really made the purchase of milk into a consumer experience. 

Tom:                      Is dairy a relative newcomer to the Vietnamese diet?

Matthew:                No. There would have been a lot of what we would describe, maybe, as backyard farming in terms of dairy production. So, it would have been sustenance. We would have two, three cows, and we would produce for the family and the neighbor. We would share the milk. However, given this huge increase in demand for the consumption of milk, that’s prompted much more cohesive dairy farming and has attracted a huge amount of investment. That sums up Vietnam’s move away in the 1990s from a centralized approach to agriculture and food production and much more toward primary production and integration.

Tom:                      What are the opportunities for emerging technologies, innovation in the Vietnamese market?

Matthew:                One of the biggest trends that we see within the Vietnamese market is the use of technology on the horticulture side. There is a lot of investment from engineering industries, from car manufacturers, from businesses that would not historically have been related to agriculture in terms of them utilizing distribution mechanics.

                               We’re talking about growing vegetables in an enclosed environment: hydroponics, etcetera. And those other industries see a lot of overlap with their technologies in terms of assisting in a huge increase in vegetables, which would be grown very close to the cities, which obviously are the primary markets.

Tom:                      I’ve read that Vietnam’s aquaculture market has nearly doubled in only a few years. If that’s true, what’s driving it?

Matthew:                One of the most recognized brands in the U.S. and Europe would be barramundi. Barramundi would be the Asian sea bass equivalent. The brand is actually called Australis. Most consumers would buy that to fillet. Very nicely packaged and very heavily branded, believing that it’s come from Australia. But it hasn’t. It’s from a very progressive operation, which grows the barramundi offshore in cages, in an extremely isolated environment that has incredible water quality, which is what’s needed for sustainability and to grow the fish and have a good feed conversion rate.

                              That’s just one example of people using a brand that doesn’t necessarily present itself as coming from Vietnam, but that is utilizing the environmental assets Vietnam has. You do have to contrast that with some of the challenges that Vietnam has in terms of the environment, the recycling of waste, areas the industry is attempting to tackle. That’s another opportunity for technology.

Tom:                      We’ve been focusing on Vietnam, but what about other countries in the region such as Myanmar, Cambodia, Mongolia?

Matthew:                All of those countries represent a huge opportunity for technology for a number of different reasons. Cambodia is wedged between Vietnam and Thailand, two countries that have much greater recognition in terms of the food chain and primary production. But Cambodia itself is a natural resource, a very clean environment where crops can be grown, particularly in the south. As you move up to the north, you start to see the opportunity for fruits and vegetables to be grown. Cambodia is the world’s largest exporter of mangoes, a fact that is not necessarily at the forefront of people’s minds when they consume a mango.

                               We have to embrace the local regulations, which, until recently, has been a challenge for businesses going into those countries to set up operations. But there is a growing industry in Cambodia on the aqua side, a growing industry on the poultry side.

                               Myanmar, for many, many years was a closed market, but now government policy is changing. Myanmar is dominated by the poultry industry. And that poultry industry has the potential to grow with technology, to scale up and be in a stronger position to supply the export markets.

Tom:                      What disruptors do you expect to see in this emerging market?

Matthew:                I guess the implementation of a more cohesive food chain, more cohesive supply chain and retail outlets.

                                Thailand and Vietnam are not well-known for having big supermarkets, but they have an increasing number of smaller retail outlets, which are generally owned as part of integrated operations. So, whilst we still have a big wet market where food is bought on a daily basis and consumed that day, there is a much greater move toward processed and packaged food, and that has big implications. It requires a supply chain. It requires refrigeration. It requires speed. But with growing affluence in that middle class, the opportunity for the consumer to purchase packaged food is a clear opportunity and will be a disruptor moving forward.

Tom:                      How is Alltech fitting into the Vietnamese market? What’s going on there?

Matthew:                We opened our Vietnamese office in 1993. So, we’ve been there for some time now. As with all of the Alltech businesses, we really look to localize our approach in terms of the makeup of the team from a production point of view, from sales, from a marketing perspective. People who really know and understand the industry.

                              Vietnam has been a very successful marketplace for us in the past 24 years, and we just see our business going from strength to strength as we are now in the position to offer more feed solutions to a growing feed industry.

                               Across the Asian countries, we’ve had a presence for a minimum of 20 years. Myanmar is new. Cambodia is new, and Mongolia will be very new for us. A very small market, but it represents the opportunity for us to localize our business and takes us into more of those countries. 

Tom:                      Matthew Smith is Alltech vice president of Asia-Pacific. Thank you so much for joining us.

Matthew Smith spoke at ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference (ONE17). To hear more talks from the conference, sign up for the Alltech Idea Lab. 

[QINGDAO, China] – Experts from agricultural colleges and research institutions throughout China joined together to discuss agricultural and environmental challenges, including how to reduce waste and making farming operations more sustainable, at a recent Alltech China Research Alliance meeting, held in Qingdao.

Alltech China has built long-term cooperative research relationships with 10 well-known universities, research institutes and leading feed and food enterprises.

“The Alltech China Research Alliance is focused on building toward a green agriculture future in China,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, global vice president and head of Greater China for Alltech. “The roadmap to this future requires practical solutions, which will be developed through advanced scientific research and technology and the powerful partnership of these leading agricultural minds.”

Defa Li, professor at China Agricultural University and academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and Kangsen Mai, professor at Ocean University of China and academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering, along with more than 30 other professors from agricultural colleges and research institutions, attended and spoke at the meeting, sharing the results of their latest research.

“This meeting of the alliance explored how to reduce antibiotic residues in food, how to effectively use limited resources in the midst of population explosion, and how to reduce water and soil pollution,” said Karl Dawson, vice president and chief scientific officer at Alltech.

A new mycotoxin detection method

The Institute of Agriculture Quality Standards and Testing Technology for Agro-Products of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (IQSTAP) has established a method for the simultaneous detection of 21 mycotoxins, or their metabolite residues, in the plasma of animals. These include toxins such as aflatoxin B1. This testing is expected to become the agricultural industry standard for the detection of mycotoxins in China.

Recently, Alltech and IQSTAP published an article entitled "Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry for Simultaneous Determination of 21 Kinds of Mycotoxins or Their Metabolites in Animal Plasma." Dr. Ruiguo Wang of IQSTAP, who introduced the study, says that it established a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method that simultaneously detects animal plasma aflatoxin B1 and 21 other kinds of mycotoxins or their metabolite residue.

Existing mycotoxin detection methods have very complex sample treatment operations, and high detection costs make it generally difficult to do a variety of simultaneous determinations of mycotoxins. The QuEChERS method (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, Safe) is a fast, sample pre-treatment technology developed for agricultural products. It uses the interaction between adsorbent filler and the impurities in the matrix to adsorb impurities to achieve purification.

In this study, 21 samples of mycotoxins and their metabolites in animal plasma were developed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) based on the QuEChERS principle. The method is simple, rapid, low-cost and accurate. It can be used for combined mycotoxin animal exposure assessment and mycotoxin toxicokinetic study. Wang said this method has been submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China for review and is expected to pass as a fungal detector by agriculture industry standards.

Functional ingredients for better pork quality

Another breakthrough came from collaboration between Alltech and Jiangnan University to improve food safety and quality. A Jiangnan University research project showed that the addition of rapeseed selenium in the diet can improve the quality of pork, increasing its water-holding capacity and tenderness. An article published based on Alltech and Jiangnan University’s study confirmed that the additions of flaxseed oil and sesame selenium to the diet can improve pork quality, reducing drip loss by 58–74 percent. The organic selenium diets increased muscular selenium content up to 54 percent. Flaxseed oil and selenium can be used to alter the fatty acid structure of pork, increase omega-3 fatty acids and reduce the proportion of omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids in meat, which can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease in consumers.

Minerals matter: How trace minerals can impact pollution

Improper sewage treatment and greenhouse gas emissions are leading to heavy pollution of water, soil and air, and some small-scale farms have been closed because of this pollution.

"This will require improved feed conversion, which will reduce damage to the environment without affecting the performance of the animal," said Li.

Inorganic trace minerals in feeds have contributed to this environmental pollution. Due to their low absorption rates, 80–90 percent of inorganic zinc and copper will generally be excreted by the animal, contaminating water and soil.

Organic trace minerals, however, are absorbed more readily. Alltech’s Total Replacement Technology™ is a groundbreaking approach to organic trace mineral nutrition. It features products such as Bioplex®, which includes copper, iron, zinc and manganese, and Sel-Plex®, which includes selenium. Compared to conventional inorganic minerals, these formulations are better absorbed, stored and utilized by the animal and are thus able to meet the higher nutrient needs of modern livestock for rapid growth, maximum reproductive performance and animal health. Additionally, because they are absorbed more readily, less is excreted into the environment.

Some Chinese feed companies are already using Alltech’s Total Replacement Technology. In addition to aiding in animal performance and health, many customers have noted it improves the smell of pig farms.

To better contribute to China’s agriculture, Alltech signed a memo of understanding with Guangdong Evergreen Conglomerate to carry out research on sustainable aquaculture.

[DUNBOYNE, Ireland] – On June 10, Chunhua Hu, Communist Party secretary of Guangdong, led a trade delegation consisting of representatives from the biomedicine, information and communication technology, and financial industries to visit Ireland. During this economic exchange, the delegation paid a special visit to Alltech’s European Headquarters in Dunboyne, Ireland. While there, they learned more about the world-leading animal nutrition company’s interest in building a production base in Guangdong province, which would become its second production facility in China, and signed a memorandum of understanding to further aquaculture research.

Yue Xiaoyong, China’s ambassador to Ireland, and Paul Kavanagh, Ireland’s ambassador to China, were present during the visit. Senior government officials for Guangdong’s provincial government also attended, including Wen Guohui, mayor of Guangzhou, Zhong Weiyun, director general of the 7th Bureau of the International Liaison Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, as well as several other officials from Guangdong province.

Dr. Mark Lyons, global vice president and head of Greater China at Alltech, and Aidan Connolly, chief innovation officer and vice president of corporate accounts at Alltech, welcomed the delegation and led the visit.

During the visit to Alltech’s European Headquarters, Hu heard a presentation by Lyons on the status of Alltech’s global business.

Since 1985, Alltech has adhered to what the company calls the ACE principle, a promise that in doing business Alltech has a positive impact on the Animal, the Consumer and the Environment. Since entering the Chinese market in 1994, Alltech has witnessed and been heavily involved in the rapid development of China’s agriculture industry. Alltech shares China’s vision and understand the challenges being faced in the field and on the farm.

Alltech is committed to the concept of green agriculture. On March 8-9, Alltech hosted the Greening of Chinese Agriculture Environmental Conference, to discuss and commit to energy conservation, production optimisation, improved management practices, and agriculture laws and regulations. Alltech called for 10 agriculture companies to sign a proposal promising to optimise their production processes and work together to realise China’s green agriculture.

Guangdong is one of biggest agricultural provinces.

“I hope Alltech solutions will help Guangdong and China’s agriculture sector work toward practical solutions for sustainable farming,” said Lyons.

“Five years ago, I came to China,” continued Lyons. “I like to work and live in China, especially in Guangdong, which is a big agriculture province. We have many important clients, and they have become our good friends.”

The delegation heard of Alltech’s interest in building a second production base in Guangdong, which would provide strong support to Alltech’s production in Asia. It would also drive the scientific and technological innovation for Guangdong’s, and even China’s, agriculture industry, promoting the development of biotechnology as well as the local economy while doing so in an environmentally friendly manner.

Alltech regards innovation as a top priority and is committed to discovering sustainable nutritional solutions for plants, animals and people. Similarly, the basic principles of the China Manufacturing 2025 Report include being innovation-driven, putting quality first, green development, structure optimisation and being talent-oriented.

Guangdong is China’s largest economic province, having led the country’s economic development for many years, and is considered China’s “south gate”.

“If it were a country, Guangdong would be the 16th largest national economy in the world,” said Xin Xiaowei, director of the Guangdong Provincial Bureau of Statistics, in a media interview.

It is a major shipping and transportation hub and home to South China Agricultural University, one of the leading universities and institutions around the world with which Alltech has established more than 20 research alliances. Combined with the talented people who work in the local agriculture sector, these qualities make Guangdong an ideal home for Alltech’s new production base.

In addition, to better contribute to China’s agriculture, Alltech signed a memo of understanding with Guangdong Evergreen Conglomerate to carry out research on the sustainable farming of aquatic species. Through the collaboration between Alltech and Guangdong Evergreen, both parties aim to advance the development of aquaculture nutrition and feed sciences, including the improvement of aquatic feed nutrition, antibiotic-free technology in aquaculture and aquatic ecological breeding technology (e.g., the reduction or replacement of fish meal and/or fish oil) with Alltech products such as Bioplex®, NuPro®, Allzyme® SSF, Actigen® and ForPlus™.

Alltech also intends to promote a programme in Guangdong that could follow in the very successful footsteps of The Pearse Lyons Accelerator 2017 program. The Guangdong programme would be in partnership with local agricultural companies and would support and guide agricultural start-ups to encourage innovation.

Yue and Kavanagh expressed how the cooperation between Alltech and Guangdong strengthens the connection between Guangdong and Ireland, deepening economic ties among enterprises in both countries. This is extremely beneficial to the continued cooperation between the two countries and will result in the creation of more business opportunities.

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] – Alltech Crop Science, the agronomic division of Alltech, has attained its first product registration in the Indian state of Karnataka. The company has registered Grain-SetTM IN, a micronutrient fertilizer based on amino acid and fermentation technology, for use on grain crops in the region.

Aman Sayed, Alltech’s director of India and South Asia, expects Grain-SetTM IN to be welcomed as a natural alternative to traditional fertilizers. Grain-SetTM IN will support Karnataka growers in the challenges they face with soil fertility and micronutrient depletion.

“It is great to have the first registration for Alltech Crop Science in India,” said Sayed. “This is just the beginning for Alltech and for our plans to support the increasing sustainability of Indian agronomy. We look forward to helping the farming community in achieving the targeted growth rate set forth by the Ministry of Agriculture, by enhancing agriculture production and productivity.”

The Grain-SetTM IN registration comes in the wake of government programs, such as the Soil Health Mission, that incentivize growers to use management practices that include soil testing and to use the results from testing to treat their crops more efficiently.

Alltech has provided solutions for India’s livestock sector since 1990. Contact the Alltech India team at india@alltech.com to learn more about how Grain-Set INTM might benefit your grain crops.

Aman Sayed, Alltech’s director of India and South Asia

In a country of over 1.2 billion people, agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy. It contributes to the overall economic growth of the country and determines the standard of living for over half of the population of India.   

The state of Karnataka, an agrarian area in the southwest region where much of the state is still dependent on the monsoon season, has experienced substantial growth in food and grain production through the introduction of improved seed varieties, fertilizer applications and the implementation of irrigation practices. However, these advancements have also resulted in depletion of nutrients and a decrease in organic matter in the soil. In order to overcome these challenges, the local government has implemented measures that include soil fertility status reports and then use the results of these tests to advise growers on more sustainable crop management practices.   

Karnataka’s growers face several challenges in terms of maintaining their economic viability:

• Land holdings: Nearly 80 percent of farming families own less than 2 acres of land.
• Irrigation: 70 percent of the arable land is rainfed.
• Crop technology: There is limited distribution of seeds and other primary inputs available to average growers, who find cost to be the most prohibitive factor in attaining new technology.  
• Soil erosion and depletion: Large areas of land are susceptible to soil erosion from wind and water. Soils have also historically been overused and overworked, resulting in deteriorated soil health. 

“The registration of Alltech Crop Science [in Karnataka] is just the beginning,” says Aman Sayed, Alltech’s director of India and South Asia, who is looking forward to giving growers in the region a natural alternative to the traditional fertilizers available.

The use of natural-based fertilizers can help increase nutrient availability in the soil and improve plant defenses to stressors, such as those caused by lack of irrigation, and help plants reach their full genetic potential.  

Have a question or comment?

[BEIJING] – Leaders from nearly 300 agricultural companies gathered at the Greening of Chinese Agriculture Environmental Conference, held by Alltech in Beijing from March 8–9, to discuss and commit to energy conservation, production optimization, improved management practices, and agriculture laws and regulations. To solidify their commitment to more sustainable agriculture in China, 10 agriculture companies signed a proposal promising to optimize their production processes and work together to realize China’s green agriculture. Additionally, the Soil and Fertilizer Alliance of China signed a memorandum of cooperation with Alltech, aiming to jointly promote regional farming, breeding integration and the sustainable development of animal husbandry.

China’s “No.1 Central Document” for 2017 highlighted agriculture, setting goals for the country’s sustainable development and environmental protection. The agriculture sector in China has faced increasing attention and governmental pressure in recent years, as more stringent laws and regulations have been implemented to address concerns regarding the security and safety of food supply, as well as the environmental impact of farming on land, water and air.

“Since 1989, Alltech has adhered to what we call the ACE principle, a promise that in doing business we have a positive impact on the Animal, the Consumer and the Environment,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, global vice president and head of Greater China for Alltech. “We share China’s vision, and we also understand the challenges being faced in the field and on the farm by farmers. It is our intention that this week’s conference lights a spark that will enable China’s agriculture sector to join together in working toward practical solutions for sustainable farming.”

Alltech’s Greening of Chinese Agriculture Environmental Conference covered a diverse range of topics, including the economic impact of the environment in agriculture, pig farming environmental control through advanced nutritional technology, understanding the new regulations and an outlook to possible future regulations, and more.

According to the State of Food and Agriculture 2016 issued by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, approximately one-fifth of the world's greenhouse gases come from agriculture, including forestry, fisheries and livestock production.

To address this, China has introduced the “Ten Measures for Prevention and Control of Air Pollution”, creating a more stringent air pollution control law. For example, the government encourages the development of slow release fertilizer and the reduction of ammonia emissions. Additionally, the Law of Air Pollution Prevention 2016 regulates that the emissions of ammonia and volatile organic matter should be reduced, and livestock breeding companies should reduce the discharge of malodorous gases.

According to Dr. Richard Murphy, the research director of Alltech’s European Bioscience Centre, ruminants like cattle and sheep produce most of the greenhouse gas, methane, and the whole industry is currently working to reduce the methane content produced per liter of milk.

“Alltech’s in vitro fermentation model can evaluate methane emissions by simulating the rumen,” said Murphy. “Through routine analysis and in vitro fermentation evaluation, the artificial rumen model helps the farmer to monitor day ration gunk, improve fodder digestibility, optimize rumen fermentation of the animal and therefore reduce waste emissions effectively.”

At the conference, the ruminant animal forum gathered internationally well-known experts who addressed how to further develop the dairy industry whilst safeguarding the environment. For example, improving feed digestibility to optimize rumen fermentation is an effective way to reduce emissions, and selecting the proper form and feeding level of minerals can reduce heavy metal emissions in feces. Through the experiences and data shared by these global experts, protection of the environment could be seen as more practical and economical.

As animal husbandry in China is becoming more intensive and large-scale, the excessive amount of heavy metals in the soil has become an urgent environmental problem. Based on the statistics of the “National Soil Pollution Condition Investigation Communique” published by China’s Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Ministry of Land and Resources, 19.4 percent of the soil in China has exceeded the standard, and the main pollutants are cadmium, nickel, copper, arsenic, mercury and lead. A significant amount of heavy metal pollution, such as arsenic and copper, is produced by feed and feces.

“For this issue, Alltech has a complete quality control system to regulate the heavy metal contamination of feed additive products,” said Steve Elliott, the global director of Alltech’s Mineral Management Division. “Our organic trace minerals and our unique Total Replacement Technology program can have a tremendous impact on reducing heavy metal pollutants in the environment.”

In China, the largest source of ammonia pollution is the extensive use of nitrogen fertilizer in agriculture. The overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has led to serious soil degradation, pest resistance and other issues. Accordingly, this was also addressed by the state’s more stringent air pollution controls in “Ten Measures for Prevention and Control of Air Pollution.”

To address these challenges, Alltech Crop Science focuses on the health of a hidden ally: soil microbes.

“We believe that the natural life has its own mystery, and the vitality of soil derives from the diversity of microbes,” said Weimin Ma, Alltech Crop Science director for China. “Alltech will use its own unique advantages in microbiology, enzymes and nutrigenomics to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and promote soil health and natural nutrient cycling in China.”

At the conference, the Soil and Fertilizer Alliance of China and Alltech signed a memorandum. The parties agreed to work closely together to explore the agro-ecological possibilities for soil and crop health. With the strength of Alltech’s microbial fermentation-based solutions, the two parties have a vision to develop healthy farm ecosystems and reduce pesticide usage in accordance with the Chinese Department of Agriculture’s goal of ending the growth of pesticide usage by 2020.

Alltech organized a conference regarding the “Greening of Chinese Agriculture” from March 8-9, 2017 in Beijing. More than 300 agricultural entrepreneurs attended the event and signed a proposal to work together toward sustainable agriculture in China. Global vice president and head of Greater China for Alltech Dr. Mark Lyons spoke at the conference.

At Alltech’s Greening of Chinese Agriculture Environment Conference, Dr. Mark Lyons, global vice president and head of Greater China for Alltech, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with Xu Wang, secretary general of the Soil and Fertilizer Alliance of China, to jointly promote regional farming, breeding integration and the sustainable development of animal husbandry.

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] – In an effort to improve soil quality and environmental protection in China, various key players from soil, fertilizer and livestock industries formed the Soil and Fertilizer Alliance of China (SFAC) in February 2016.

Alltech, guided by its founding ACE principle of positively benefiting the animal, the consumer and the environment, has joined the SFAC. Dr. Mark Lyons, Alltech’s global vice president and head of Greater China, has been named SFAC vice president.

“Alltech and the SFAC share a common goal to integrate livestock feeding and crop planting industries more efficiently and to work together toward a more sustainable future,” said Dr. Lyons.

The SFAC aims to fulfil the needs and promote the sustainable development of Chinese agriculture. It strives to improve the quality of Chinese soil and contribute to food security and modern agricultural development while being ecologically sustainable. Alltech is one of the top five animal health companies in the world, with a growing crop science business sector.

The Chinese government has put an increasing focus on the environment in recent years, with a particularly close look at agricultural practices. While traditional concerns such as proximity to water and large populations, as well as biochemical oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand levels, have been cited as reasons for farm closures, issues related to high levels of minerals and soil quality impact factors are now being examined. The Environmental Tax Law was approved at the end of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee meeting in December 2016, and minerals (e.g., copper and zinc) and heavy metal (e.g., arsenic) are listed in the Environmental Tax Law for scale livestock farms. Alltech’s proprietary mineral technology Bioplex® is being utilized in China to reduce levels of minerals and other polluting materials in manure, thus reducing environmental impact.

“Alltech has solutions to help livestock farms reduce pollution in animal manure, compost manure to a higher quality of organic fertilizer, and improve crop and animal health and performance by adding nutritional value more naturally through our research-based technologies,” said Dr. Lyons.

Alltech China is hosting an environmental meeting from March 7–9. The event will focus on overcoming environmental challenges and finding opportunities in the new green economy. For more information or to attend the meeting, contact Apple Zhang, marketing manager for Alltech China (azhang@alltech.com).

As China’s middle class continues to grow and to migrate to urban areas, it is demanding healthier, safer and more nutritious food. To help meet this demand at a local level, Dr. Mark Lyons moved to China four years ago to lead Alltech’s efforts and serves as global vice president and head of Greater China.

The company established Alltech Crop Science China, and Dr. Xue Kai serves as its technical and product manager. Dr. Steven Borst, general manager for Alltech Crop Science, is responsible for global product registration. These three experts shared their insights on how the company is helping local producers increase production efficiency in a sustainable way.
 

Why is there an emphasis on China?

Dr. Lyons: Globally, China is the second largest producer of potatoes, wheat, corn and other commodities. For years, there has been much discussion about who will feed China. The answer is: China will feed China.

As Chinese consumers travel globally, they are becoming aware of cutting-edge technology and expect that same level of knowledge in China. Alltech is committed to providing technology at a local level to meet growing global needs and will provide the best staff to support local producers.

Which crop science products will help serve this market?

Dr. Kai: Alltech Crop Science China has worked to gain product approval for two of the company’s natural plant and soil activators. The company is now finalizing registration of its unique products, designed to streamline processes for optimal performance and help revitalize soils.

The excellent results from the registration and demonstration trials conducted thus far make us extremely excited about the future of this technology in China and the role Alltech can play to support the development of new agricultural practices in this country.
 

How is Alltech supporting other efforts in China?
 

Dr. Lyons: Alltech’s China Now program is a strategic five-year plan and includes numerous educational and research initiatives in China. The company has been operating in China for 22 years and has recently partnered with Nestlé in the creation of a world-class training center, the Dairy Farming Institute in Shuangcheng, Heilongjiang province. In addition, 10 of the company’s 30 research alliances are focused on providing local support for this growing region.
 

What are future challenges and opportunities in China?
 

Dr. Borst: As Chinese producers work on continued production efficiency, they are also awakening to the same issues we are successfully addressing in the U.S. and Brazil. Common issues include addressing nutrient management needs not only for soil health, but as part of integrated crop and livestock systems.

Across the globe, farmers are working to become more precise with nutrient management. With our global expertise, we can share best practices with producers and others involved in Chinese agribusiness.

Consumers and producers alike are demanding more natural alternatives and products that fit into sustainable management systems. We are focused on providing new solutions that meet environmental sustainability and food safety standards.
 

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