North Dakota hosts large African delegation at farm show

WEST FARGO, N.D. – A group of entrepreneurs from Angola are among the hundreds of farmers and business leaders gathered in West Fargo this week to learn about North Dakota’s agribusinesses.

The international farmers are participating in the annual Big Iron International Visitor’s Program, which is aimed at helping promote North Dakota manufacturers, producers and supplies. The program is part of the Big Iron Farm Show at the Red River Valley Fairgrounds in West Fargo.

“We don’t have the technology and that is why we are here. To learn here,” Alector Torres, an ag business leader in Angola, told WDAY-TV (http://bit.ly/2cVAxb1 ) while at the show that includes hundreds of exhibit booths showcasing farm equipment and other agribusiness products and services.

Over 120 representatives from more than 10 countries are participating in the program. This year’s entourage includes the largest-ever delegation from Africa, including representatives from Angola, Benin, Ethiopia, Liberia and Nigeria.

The station reports that the delegation from Angola is not visiting the show with the purpose of buying combines and tractors, but instead, the delegates want to meet local farmers and farm organizations to establish partnerships with them.

“My hope one day is to have 50 to 100 farmers from North Dakota going to Angola doing business directly,” said Gentil Viana, who along with other members of the delegation was all bundled up because they are not used to North Dakota’s September weather.

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Information from: WDAY-TV, http://wday.com