Machinery company Samco, based in Adare, Co. Limerick, has secured a purchase agreement with two companies based in Inner Mongolia, Northern China for their SAMCO maize planting machine and bio-degradable mulch film.
The announcement was made during this week’s trade mission to China led by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney. Samco says its knowledge in forage and grain maize growing is well – particularly in adverse climatic conditions such as in Ireland, or Northern China where there are large tracts of land exposed to cold temperatures.
Welcoming the announcement Minister Coveney said it is clear evidence of what Irish companies can achieve in China.
“This announcement confirms the high standing of Irish companies for the quality of their product and service. China is a priority market for Irish agri-services companies, and Enterprise Ireland is working intensively with these companies to drive increased sales in this huge market. I strongly congratulate SAMCO on this agreement with Xingye Planting Company and Ruitian Modern Agriculture Co. Ltd and wish all parties continued success”.
Julie Sinnamon, CEO, Enterprise Ireland, Irish Agricultural Minister Mr. Simon Coveney,
Chinese Ambassador of Ireland, H.E. Paul Kavanagh, Mr Ming Yang Business Development Manager, SAMCO & Mr. Li Jin Long Ruitian Modern Farming Ltd
The Samco System machine lays a thin layer of biodegradable mulch film over the soil at the time of sowing which increases soil and air temperature. The machine forms a seed channel under the film creating an ideal microclimate for the seed to germinate and develop.
Over the last couple of years Samco has been working closely with Xingje to establish a prototype of high quality forage maize plantation on potato rotation soil with break-through results. As a direct result of this collaboration, Xingje have also successfully grown grain corn using the Samcosystem on this rotation land – effectively tripling the total area of Xingje’s maize fields.
Samco also have a close working relation with Ruitian Modern Agriculture Co. who have successfully planted their high quality forage maize in high altitude conditions in Wulanchabu, Inner Mongolia using the Samco system. The company says today’s signed agreement demonstrates the tangible benefits of Samco’s technology and provides them with a key reference partner in building out its Chinese business.