A worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment has reported that a new joint venture company formed between South Africa’s Barloworld and Germany’s BayWa has been appointed as its national distributor for Zambia.

The joint venture between Barloworld and BayWa is expected to be responsible for sales and support for AGCO’s Challenger and Massey Ferguson brands of farm machinery.

Nuradin Osman, AGCO Director of Operations for Africa and the Middle East said:  “We are delighted that these two leaders in agricultural equipment distribution have joined forces to support us in serving the Zambian market where we are making major investments in infrastructure and people, and creating key partnerships to help drive agricultural development forward across the full spectrum of farming.”

Also, John Blackbeard, Chief Executive Officer of Barloworld Handling, Inc said: “Barloworld Agriculture’s existing AGCO distribution network combined with our strong African know-how provides the Joint Venture with a strong operational platform.”

As part of AGCO’s significant investment in Zambia, the company has established a 150ha Future Farm near Lusaka to develop leading-edge agriculture for Africa. Among its major activities, the AGCO Future Farm provides education and training on integrated agricultural solutions, offers hands-on experience with new technology appropriate to local markets and seeks to establish new agricultural standards for crop establishment, nutrition and protection