Heifer China's staff have paid a study visit to Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden

During June 27-28, 2006, director of Program Planning,Monitoring & Evaluation Department, Dr. Long Huosheng, and director of Yungui Regional Program of Heifer China , Mr. Zhang Yong, took project partner from Yunnan Province , Mr. Zhang Zhengde and Mr. Li Jiupeng, and paid a study visit to Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden. Before this, Mr. Hilpaddy, Kadoorie expert in Agro-ecology, visited Heifer project sites in Songming and Baoshan of Yunnan Province. The visitors from Heifer were deeply attracted by the Kadoorie production system of ecological farms and agro-forestry. Both sides came to some agreement to develop the project cooperation in alternative livestock system and animal welfare. Heifer HQ and Heifer China pay great attention in the filed of animal welfare by setting appoint persons and related projects. Yunnan Regional Office will integrate the alternative livestock system and animal welfare approaches into the current poverty-alleviation projects of Heifer China , and guide the recipient farmers to make full use of local resources to develop agro-ecological production. These efforts can reduce the cost of agriculture production and protect the local environment.