Joo Ho Kim Receives Honorary Doctor of Laws

Posted May 21, 1997


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
97-05-08-OTHER

Chair of Korean Food Association to
receive honorary doctor of laws

Saskatoon SK, May 20, 1997 -- On May 20, 1997 Mr. Joo Ho Kim received an
honorary Doctor of Laws at the University?s spring convocation for his
contribution to the Saskatchewan agriculture industry through continual
and constant promotion of Canada and the Canadian feed industry in Korea.

Mr. Kim has been both a participant and a catalyst in the expansion of
agri-food trade from Canada to Korea. Since he became Chair of the
Korean Feed Association in 1988, he has been instrumental in influencing
policy so as to open this market to Canadian suppliers, with major benefits
to the prairie provinces.

For example, during the past four years feed wheat sales have amounted
to over $900 million. In 1994 feed wheat exports from Korea to Canada
exceeded $400 million. In other commodities, such as alfalfa feed
products, Canada supplies approximately 80 to 90 per cent of the alfalfa
products that are imported into Korea. In 1994 this market alone was worth
$20 M and over one-half of this volume of alfalfa was secured from
Saskatchewan sources.

Similar stories could be told with regard to the canola meal market. Mr.
Kim's influence in advancing the marketing of Canadian livestock feed
products in Korea has been substantial. Canadian exports of feed grains
have totaled almost one billion dollars. Prior to Mr. Kim becoming chair of
the Korea Feed Association, Canada had less than $100 M worth of feed
business. Barley was not allowed into Korea, alfalfa exports were small
and canola meal exports were non-existent.

The advantage to Saskatchewan in creating an opportunity for sales and
diversification of the local economy has been substantial. Mr. Kim
recognized the quality of our products, developed an affinity for the
prairie region and has been a most excellent ambassador for the region
and for Canadian products as a whole.

For more information, please contact:

Iain MacLean
University Secretary
(306) 966-4632