Alltech and its recently acquired agricultural equipment maker Keenan have teamed up with Haier Financial Services, Inc., in a strategic alliance aimed at strengthening agriculture in China.
Under the memorandum signed in early September by all three companies, the Nicholasville, Kentucky-based Alltech will assist China’s farming sector through various initiatives in animal nutrition, including antibiotic-free feeding solutions, feed safety and traceability and on-farm support services. Keenan will deliver feed mixers and related technologies as part of the effort, and Haier Financial Services, a subsidiary of Haier Group, will provide financial and capital support to customers.
The collaborative effort aims to bolster sustainable agriculture in China, which is the world’s leading producer in animal feed. Alltech has been an active player in China’s agricultural economy for more than 30 years, with its Beijing office serving the Chinese market for the past 22 years.
“Over our time here, we have witnessed dramatic changes within the industry as China has grown to be the largest feed market in the world,” said Mark Lyons, global vice president and head of Greater China for Alltech, in a release announcing the new initiative. “Today, as China pushes for scale, efficiency, quality and safety, new investment and new thinking are required. Haier Financial Services’ financial support and Alltech and KEENAN’s technical expertise will assist this transformation, and we are very pleased to be partners in this progress.”
The alliance will focus on key regions for agricultural development, which will be targeted by the companies based on their importance to the development of professional, scaled agriculture production in China. As part of the agreement, farms recommended by Haier will receive training from Alltech’s global team of consultants, and Alltech will also provide training and technical support to Haier staff members.