Central Valley Farm Show A Global Affair

Feb. 15 - KGO (KGO) -- Farmers and agriculture companies from across the globe are in California this week for the biggest farm show of the year. Issues facing farmers everywhere are being talked about as the latest technology is shown off.

The language of farming can be Italian, Japanese or English.

More than 1,000 farmers and agri-business people are at World Ag Expo from 66 countries, including a delegation of 17 from Iraq. They're interested in solar technology. They need to increase food production for their growing population, while rebuilding a once thriving export market.

Slood Omari, Iraqi businessman: "We have all the sources. We have the water, we have land, we have good soil, and we have different environments throughout Iraq."

A marketing executive from the California Table Grape Commission led a seminar on selling to and competing with China.

China is a big market for fresh fruit, something we saw ourselves last summer. Chinese consumers bought $83 million dollars worth of California grapes last year. Farmers raising other crops have taken notice.

Phil Baker, alfalfa farmer: "I think we'd better keep friendly with them. I hope we do because I think there is a great potential there, yes."

Twenty-seven companies from Australia displayed their farm technology, the result of a free trade agreement with the U.S.

America bought $210 billion dollars worth of goods from Australia last year.

Ian Smith, Australian Trade Commissioner: "We're one of the world leaders in terms of irrigation technology. There already are a number of Australian companies in the U.S. market, leading that market in terms of water conservation but also moisture sensing technology."

Japan sent a group of college students and recent graduates to learn more about farming.

Atsuko Sato is anxious to expand organic farming in Japan.

Atsuko Sato, Japanese organic farmer: "In Japan there are lots of people with allergies so they're more interested in organic food."

There were also delegations from Nigeria and Russia.

The emphasis on opening up markets and exchanging technology underscores the importance of the global economy. It also helps to promote international understanding.

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