An Australian "farmer" who wins Friendship Award, Ian Auldist

The PD Online recently had an interview with Ian Auldist, a winner of the Friendship Award, the supreme award the Chinese government confers to foreign experts who have made outstanding contributions to China's economic and social progress.

"I feel excited and humble, because when I work in China I am working with Chinese colleagues. Really they deserve recognition," Ian Auldist was very modest as he was congratulated for wining the Friendship Award.

Mr. Auldist, Chief Technical Advisor of China-Luxembourg Livestock Development Project in Inner Mongolia, has just finished the project in Balin Right Banner, Inner Mongolia.

A project that "gives farmers confidence"

"Basically we are assisting that area in the period when the grassland has been heavily degraded. The project assists farmers to stop grazing animals freely on the grassland, to try to help the grassland to recover," Mr. Auldist introduced the project he worked on in Inner Mongolia.

As the technical advisor and team leader, Mr. Auldist helped the farmers to manage their animals and to develop feeding system which could be used instead of grazing animals freely on the grassland.

"The farmers responded very well. They reduced the numbers of livestock to some extent. They plan better for the storage of grain and hays so that they could learn to market animals better."

Along with the local government's help, the project has brought about positive changes to the area.

"One result is that farmers by restrictions of grazing animals freely on the grassland over about four years, they were able to see the grassland could regenerate. It gives them confidence that the grassland is not fully destroyed. It has the capacity to come back. That was a great result from the project," Mr. Auldist summarized.

An Australian "farmer" who tries to help local farmers every day

Mr. Auldist, who owns a farm in Australia, called himself a farmer during the interview.

"I have very easy and quick understanding of farmers. I understand them and try to help them every day," he said.

"Farmers only think about simple issues. I have the same elements in Australia, draught, lack of rainfall, marketing issues, low prices. So I have no problem communicating with farmers," he added.

One important components of the project is to provide some demonstrations so that the farmers can see the benefits. Local husbandry bureau of Balin Right Banner, Inner Mongolia has put a training center where training is given to local technicians and farmers.

"The project trains the staff of husbandry bureau, so they could pass some ideas to the farmers. To train many farmers are difficult, but to train the staff is easy," Mr. Auldist stressed the importance of training.

When asked the economic benefit of the project, Mr. Auldist became prudent.

"To assess economic benefits is very difficult, but it is clear farmer's income has risen during the project. Maybe it is partly due to the projects," Mr. Auldist said.

Enjoyable life in China

Talking about his life outside the project, Mr. Auldist looks excited.

"Chinese food is the best in the world of course. And I've been very lucky to have friends to play tennis with me. It is very common in Inner Mongolia to have tennis court. Every place I went in Inner Mongolia, tennis is quite popular".

"Aside from playing tennis, I study Chinese language but make small progress. I am a poor student. I went to streets to chat with local people in the evening."

Having working on seven to eight long-term projects in China, Mr. Auldist had many Chinese friends.

"I organized many study tours to Australia. I brought my Chinese friends home and gave some return hospitality. It was exciting for me. I teat them with Australian-style hospitality. Kill one of my own sheep, eat some Australian mutton, and drink some Australian beer. It is enjoyable," Mr. Auldist concluded.

By People's Daily Online