A farmer works in a greenhouse equipped with solar panels in Zhenghe County, southeast China's Fujian Province, July 20, 2017. A photovoltaic agriculture model is benefiting the farmers as the local government makes efforts to develop a solar panel integrated greenhouse system that also serves as tourist attraction and electricity provider. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan)
BRUSSELS, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) is currently calling for 20 young farmers to join an exchange program to share knowledge and farming experience with Chinese young farmers, said a press release published on EU's official website.
The scheme is open to any EU-based farmer aged under 40, and the deadline for applications is Sept. 10 for two study trips to China in November 2017 and June 2018.
Besides the maximum age limit, applicants should also have good knowledge of English, high level of experience and interest in sustainable agriculture and high level of interest in Chinese agriculture, said the EU.
The joint program was announced by EU agriculture and rural development commissioner Phil Hogan and Han Changfu, Chinese minister of agriculture, on April 21, in EU headquarters and is designed to help young farmers on both sides deal with their common challenges by sharing knowledge and information.
In the framework of this program, study visits for young professional farmers and agricultural professionals from both sides will be carried out.
The idea is to conduct exchanges and trainings in agri-businesses, innovative farms, governmental entities and local agencies, research institutes and universities, cooperatives, etc. in EU member states and Chinese provinces, said the Prospect Consulting and Services, a Brussels-based consultancy helping EU run the selection, on its website.
The project is co-funded by EU and China, and will last for 18 months. It will comprise two study tours in China for European young farmers and two study tours in Europe for Chinese young farmers and young professionals in agriculture, said the consultancy.
