Young farmers To China

The Ministry of Agriculture is sending off to China two young farmers to the University of Huia in China to be trained in the ‘Production and Processing of Tropical Crops’. Tuakana Tupou (22) of Mangaia and David Matapo (19) of Titikaveka have show keen interest in farming since attending the Young Farmers Training for the Southern Group this year.
Secretary of Agriculture Mr. Anthony Brown says he was please that the Chinese officials were flexible as to whom to sent for the training since the requirement was for agricultural officials between the ages 30-45 years. In the interest of young talents and succession, Brown was please that the two cadets have also indicated tertiary and career opportunities within the agricultural sector. Brown says the average age of the ministry is 55 years old and that’s getting to sunset horizons and the dire need new for young blood is one of his targets in the tenure of leading the ministry.
Minister for Agriculture, Hon Wigmore, hosted the pair cadets to lunch to express governments support for young talents with value and to provide the opportunities of what will be the biggest employment sector for primary and secondary industry being Agriculture. Wigmore shared that in the revitalisation of agriculture in the outer islands it was important that an outer islander be identified and rope into the project and this opportunity to China for Tuakana and David came at the best of times given the prevailing conditions.
The pair depart for China 20th November for 4 weeks returning just in time for Christmas. Brown commended the efforts of Foreign Affairs and the CK High Commission Office in Wellington for their support.

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