Swiss-based food giant Nestlé has announced plans to build a new dairy farming institute in Heilongjiang province in China.

The institute in Shuangcheng, with a series of training farms, aims to be the country’s leading dairy training centre.

For the financing of the SFr376 million ($394 million) project Nestlé is creating an investment fund and seeking local partners.

Dairy farm owners and workers from Shuangcheng and other regions will be able to improve their farm management skills and learn how to use the latest agricultural technology, according to Nestlé.

“They will gain practical experience in expanding their farm businesses, improving productivity and sourcing high quality milk sustainably,” the company’s website said.

In partnership with the authorities, Nestlé has distributed 1,000 free milking machines to farmers. Nestlé first built a factory in Shuangcheng in 1987.

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