COUNCIL OFFERS INSIGHTS ON US-CHINA AGTECH GROWTH

Bay Area Council Chief of Global Business Development Del Christensen on Thursday (April 6) led a panel at the Silicon Valley Forum’s “AgTech and the Connected World” Conference on the evolution of American and Chinese agriculture technology sectors. Panelists KY Cheng of East West Bank and Simon Shao Green Pasture International Inc. explained the challenges that China faces in modernizing its agriculture industry – with an small average farm size of 1.5 acres and an aging rural demographic, the world’s second largest economy has been searching for ways to increase its agricultural productivity. This creates a big opportunity for Californian companies and funds looking to do business in China. While global venture capital investments decreased in 2016, the central government invested $450 billion to redesign its agriculture capabilities. For these reasons, the Council has focused on assisting agtech companies’ access to Chinese markets for the past three years and is leading a delegation in agtech and clean energy this coming June. To engage in the Council’s China work, please contact Chief of Global Business Development Del Christensen at dchristensen@bayareacouncil.org.