AUSTRALIAN farmland and related investment opportunities will be promoted in China during August at a major event in Shanghai.

Landmark Harcouts is taking its Connect with Australia property showcase to China to provide a platform for potential investors to make direct contact with Australian producers of beef, grains, fibre, dairy and horticulture in a bid to add value across the supply chain.

The event runs over five days from August 11 to 16 and is the third such annual China investment push involving Landmark Harcourts.

National operations manager Mark Brooke said the showcase helps secure large-scale agri-investment for regional Australia to assist the sector expand its production base and capitalize on emerging market opportunities.

He said the targeted audience had specific requirements.

“They take a very commercial approach to what they’re doing and all agricultural properties we exhibit must have a strong commercial focus,” he said.

“Capital investment is vital for Australian agricultural industries, not only to improve productivity but to maintain it.”

Mr Brooke noted the network of potential investors developed by Landmark Harcourts was taking a greater interest in all areas of the processing supply chain and potential partnership opportunities.

Chinese investor preference also remained focused on utilizing Australian management for any farms purchased.

Landmark Harcourts Tasmania director, Michael Warren, has exhibited Tasmanian properties to potential investors at the past two showcases and this year will highlight a $1.95 million property on the Tamar River, “Rowella”.

The grazing property could be converted to an intensive horticultural operation, growing cherries, raspberries and blueberries and according to Mr Warren a local horticultural company was prepared to develop the land if an investor was available to help out.

He said previous involvement in the showcase has resulted in interest from potential Chinese investment in horticulture in Tasmania.

“These are companies involved in the supply chain that want to shore up supply,” Mr Warren said.

“We don’t have fruit fly in Tasmania and can export fruit directly to China so interest is growing.”

Mr Warren said potential investors wanted to co-invest with existing operators, helping them to expand and produce more product for a ready market, or purchase properties and install local management.

Source:http://www.northqueenslandregister.com.au/story/3377240/shanghai-showcase-for-aus-farms/?cs=4770