MASHAV Projects in China During the 20 years of diplomatic relation, MASHAV corporate with Chines organizations to establish centers for sharing knowledge and technology transfer, mainly in the agriculture field. The Israeli technology and innovation in the agriculture field is well known for water saving and production improvements. Sino-Israeli Demonstration Dairy Farm, 2001 till date The Israeli dairy industry has been consistent in its achievements, turning it into an agricultural pillar and the largest industry of its kind in the Middle East. The Israeli cow produces today an annual average of 12,500 kg of milk and has the highest national milk yield (production/cow/year) in the world. The success is remarkable considering the heat, humidity, limited land and water resources, and several veterinary issues that had to be overcome. The Sino-Israeli Demonstration Dairy farm was established in 2001 in Yongledian, near Beijing. It is operated by Beijing Sanyuan Group while MASHAV gives the professional support. The farm design was made according to the Israeli experience and includes: calves’ hatches, heifer shed, milking-cows sheds, drycows sheds, calving pen, cows’ hospital, milking center and feed center. All the data monitored for every cow 3 times a day such as: activity- an indicator for estrus detection, milk conductivity- an indicator for mastitis, and milk yield activity in the farm is stored in the main computer, with most advanced herd management software, which is developed and made in Israel. Applying the latest Israeli designs, technologies and expertise on its herd of over 1,000 dairy cows, it raised high of over 11,550 kg./cow/year in 2010 and expected to rise up to almost 12,000 kg/cow/year in 2012. The farm became one of the most efficient in China and serves as an observation center for thousands of dairy producers from China and from neighboring countries. The first Israeli dairy expert, Mr. Lior Yaron who gave the professional support for the dairy farm awarded the GREAT WALL prize for his contribution. The farm also awarded prize for these achievements. The second Israeli expert, Mr. Daniel Hojman completed a mission period of 2.5 years and brought this farm to outstanding results, bringing the milk yield similar to the Israeli milk production level. The third expert, Dr. Meori Rosen, also helped the farm to increase milk production but, in addition exposed the success of the demo farm to other farms of Sanyuan and helps the company to build a data analysis unit. Sino-Israeli Demonstration and Training Center for Agriculture in Arid Zone, 2002-2008 The Sino-Israeli Demonstration and Training center for Agriculture in Arid Zone located in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region was the first cooperative project between China and Israel in north-west of China. Until now, it was the most advanced agricultural base of water-saving in dry land in China. It was established by the Israeli government in China. Since the project has been operated 10 years ago, more than 20,000 people visited and around 6,000 people participated in the training activities those were organized there. The project produced high quality cut flowers and vegetables with saving water irrigation system. The water usage can save by 50%. The Israeli government sent experts to direct and coach how to manage the projects. In 2006, the Israeli expert, Mr. Iigal Cohen working in the project in Xinjiang awards China Tianshan Prize for his exceptional contributions to the development of economy and social undertakings of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China. The project came to its end at November 2008. With the implementation of the project and extension of Israeli advanced agricultural and saving water irrigation technology, it is expected to contribute to the Development of West China and the establishment of Saving-Water Society in China. Beijing Sino-Israel Demonstration Farm, 1996-2003 In October of 1993, during his visit to China, Mr. Rabin, the former Israeli minister gave an advice to Mr. Li Peng, the former Chinese minister to establish a demonstration farm, which could show the latest development of agro-technology by the cooperation with Chinese technicians . MASHAV was responsible for the work of establishing the demonstration farm. In 1996 advanced Israeli greenhouses, were set with drip irrigation system on the farm and cultivation of vegetables and flowers started. Two Israeli experts came to China to train the professionals on the technology. The demonstration farm reflected its value from the very begging: the yield was twice to three times of other normal farms, the quality of its produce was much higher and the preservation much longer, its flower product become very popular in the market of Beijing. The achievement indicates that with the proper using, farmers could get more income in the same land, and at meantime they are less dependent on water and the changing of weather . The advanced variety of vegetable grown in the farm at the beginning, such as cherry tomato, and new variety of roses now is so popular in the market. This farm in Yongledian was an experimental spot of modern farm. Since the establishment of the farm, there are many similar farms throughout China. The achievement of the modern farms indicates that Yongledian demonstration farm has already fulfilled the goal of demonstrating and extending of the modern agriculture with high technology . Yongledian Sino-Israeli demonstration farm was a model of cooperation between Mashav and friendly countries, which was in order to promote the economic development. It also reflects the promise that Israel is devoted to share its professional techniques with other countries to improve their farmers’ income and living condition . The Chinese-Israeli International Center for Training in Agriculture (CIICTA) Chinese-Israeli International Center for Training in Agriculture (CIICTA) was established by Ministry of Agriculture of China and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel. The opening of the CIICTA was declared by Mr. Shimon Peres, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel in October 1993. Benjamin Netanyahu, the former Israeli Prime Minister, attended the opening ceremony and cut the ribbon for the new CIICTA building when he came to visit China in May 1998. Function of CIICTA Training high-level professional personnel in agriculture Introduction and assimilation of new agricultural technology from abroad Substantial collaboration in agricultural science and technology between China and Israel Research and Development Extension and marketing High Rank Leader's Visit, Cooperation & Exchanges High rank leaders from Israel have visited CIICTA since its establishment in 1993, as well as more than 100 Israeli experts. The visits promoted the cooperation between China and Israel and the rapid development of CIICTA As well. Academic Exchanges More than 10 work shops were organized at CIICTA with participation of about 400 experts from Israel, UK, Germany and US. CIICTA sent more than 80 Chinese experts and 100 participants to Israel for Academic visit. Ten workshops were organized in cooperation with international organizations.