March 2011 – Since the fall of 2010, CASP has been undertaking a Business Plan for one of the largest organic agriculture production, processing, and retail operations in Russia. The Plan was completed in March 2011 and includes provision for a large new organic dairy herd, state-of-the-art farm facilities, a dairy processing plant, and other components. Implementation of the project should begin in May 2011.

March 2011 – CASP Overseas has been engaged by the Ministry of Agriculture of an Eastern European country to prepare a comprehensive National Livestock Development Strategy. The Strategy includes milk and dairy cattle, swine, sheep, goats, aquaculture, etc. and is country-wide. The project involves the entire value-chain from farm production, to processing, to marketing, with the intent to upgrade all aspects of the livestock sector in the coming years. The Strategy should be completed by August 2011 for implementation beginning September 2011.

February 2011 – CASP Overseas continues to work with agricultural research institutes internationally to assist in upgrading their capabilities, improving innovation, and developing stronger relationships with the industry they serve. CASP presently has projects with academies in two European countries that are responsible for all agricultural research activities in their region. Additionally, CASP is working with national livestock institutes, a potato research institute, aquaculture, etc. and is coordinating activities which go across several institutes, such as crops and feed and genetic development. CASP is also partnering, through Public Private Partnerships and through direct investment, in national research institutes.

January 2011 – CASP has completed an assessment of the potential in various countries for Canadian livestock genetics, including export of live animals, embryo transfer, and semen sales, and is now implementing the plan on behalf of Canadian livestock stakeholders.

Recently, Victor Petrescu opened the CASP Overseas PLC office in Bucharest. Victor has worked with CASP since the organization began. His prior posting was as the on-site, project co-director for the Master Plan for Ampara District where he worked in eastern Sri Lanka for 18 months. Victor is an experienced economist with many years of experience in international development projects in countries around the globe.