14/03/2017
One Stop Ram Shop (OSRS) has just finished hosting its third group of Iranians. This was a party of farmers and business people from East Iran, by Turkmanistan. They visited numerous farms in the Manawatu and Hawkes Bay provinces, rural supply shops and a meat processing factory. Curious by nature, they were able to ask direct questions of the farmers about their stock productivity, infrastructure, payments, feeding and stock management.
Farmers enjoyed their interest and enthusiasm.
The Iranians impressed everyone with their friendliness.
Each group has been very different.
OSRS has provided an opportunity for them to learn as much as possible about the NZ agricultural industry and NZ culture. Many farms, processing factories, professional advisors, academics and areas of special interest have been visited.
OSRS arranged for the first political contact beween NZ and Iran in years. Dr Hasan Rokni, Head of all Livestock Affairs in Iran, met with Primary Industry Minister, Nathan Guy in the 'Beehive', Wellington. Dr Rokni's group at OSRS consisted of senior agricultural bureaucrats. An agreement to increase Government to Government contact was the result.
More visits, both to Iran and from Iranians are planned.
OSRS people have been four times to Iran visiting farms, cooperatives, officials, factories and politicans.
Iranians are very hospitable people. Iranians are great hosts.
From the left; Gholam, Iran
Haidar, Iran
Sepehr, Iran
Silja, Finland
John, USA
Joy, NZ
Amin, Iran
Mojtaba, Iran
Robin, NZ
Farhad, Iran
Four Nationalities at OSRS , March 2017