Kazakhstan like no other emerging economy is uniquely capable of emulating the American model of agricultural prosperity. Using the American experience as a model, recreating successes and avoiding mistakes, Kusto Group ambitiously aims to establish in Kazakhstan in 10-20 years what it took America 100 years to accomplish.

Kusto Group, Daniel Kunin under the guidance of Chairman of the Board of Directors Yerkin Tatishev, aspires to establish a sophisticated modern agriculture ecosystem in Kazakhstan based on an integrated protein strategy. Tatishev's comprehensive approach will likely have far-reaching implications on the country's economy as Kusto Group aims to take into consideration all aspects of the agro-value chain.

Daniel Kunin, Managing Director of Kusto Group, detailed the company's inclusive strategy:

"This is a project where the winners can include local farmers in rural and under-developed regions – it can include city dwellers looking for affordable, local sources of food and meat, and it can benefit exporters and foreign customers with a growing demand for healthy products. Many others who stand to benefit in the complex web that is agribusiness. I believe Kazakh agriculture will stand out because it will be sustainable – which is a very attractive way to generate income, reduce poverty and build lasting wealth."

Developing an agricultural ecosystem in Kazakhstan

The American https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/themes-and-issues-in-judaism-9780304337583/ model of agroindustry advocates and employs techniques that improve crop performance, boost water conservation, encourage non-GMO crop development, and promote a sustainable impact on the land. While the United States and Kazakhstan may not be comparable today in terms of agricultural output and yields – Kazakhstan is uniquely similar in crucial ways. Introducing all elements of success in the American model, the country can jumpstart meat production on a national scale.

"We do not approach the deficits or shortcomings experienced today in the industry with pessimism," says Kunin, "but rather with optimism that they provide an opportunity to realize the enormous potential in Kazakhstan."

Kusto Agro, the agricultural division of Kusto Group, has already established itself as a rising player in the Ukrainian market after entering eight years ago. The company seeks to take advantage of the competencies acquired there to the maximum extent possible in Kazakhstan.

Kusto Group's vision is to contribute to establishing the foundation ecosystem to support Kazakhstan's greater agricultural transformation. The company shares the country's long-term goal of developing a productive, sustainable industry that could one day rival the prosperous oil and natural resources sector.

The company, which operates in multiple divisions across three continents, has focused its efforts in five primary domains: non-GMO seed cultivation, feed and agro production, mechanized irrigation and water efficiency, livestock rearing, processing and export.

Yernur Aydarkin, Managing Director of Kusto Agro Kazakhstan, explained Kusto Group's holistic approach at the recent Central Asian AgTech Summit saying, "You can draw an analogy with human health – it is ideal when everything works in tandem: sleep, proper nutrition, physical activity, mental state. Also, in the agricultural business, quality inputs will result in a well-functioning system – from the production of high-quality feed, the use of the best seeds and irrigation technology to the sale of finished products."

Kazbeef: A holistic approach to livestock

Kusto Group's livestock division, KazBeef, has been building and expanding its operations in the beef cattle market for the last few years in the Akmola region of Kazakhstan.

Kazbeef was established with a commitment first and foremost to quality. The company seized the opportunity to introduce a new class of livestock and was the first to import premium Angus and Hereford breeding stock from the United States.

Today, the company is thriving with 120,000 hectares of pasture in the Akmola region alone, 5 thousand heads of breeding stock cattle and two feedlots with a total capacity of 15 thousand heads of cattle. The company recently built a new state-of-the-art meat processing facility in Schuchinsk, increasing storage capabilities to 6,000 tons of produce per year.

KazBeef's production figures illustrate the company's impressive achievements. In 2018, KazBeef supplied more than 1 thousand tons of meat to the domestic Metro distribution network. The company expects to increase output by an additional 50% to 1.5 thousand tons by the end of this year. In the next two to three years, Kazbeef aims to achieve a projected production volume of 8 thousand tons.

Given the tremendous agricultural potential of Kazakhstan, these volumes are just the beginning. The ninth largest country in the world has an abundance of wide-open space, rich, fertile land, and a climate ideal for animal rearing – taken together, the country is primed to become a regional and global leader in agriculture.

According to Yerkin Tatishev, "The basic ingredients are there, and now we need to make use of the best technology and investment to make it a reality. However, such a transition cannot happen overnight. It requires policymakers and business leaders to work hand-in-glove and develop an approach characterised by a broad range of high-growth, high-skilled and high-quality industries. I am pleased to see this collaborative approach starting to fall into place, particularly in areas that can benefit lower-income rural communities."

Helping to fuel growth is a growing demand for high-quality beef in both domestic and neighboring markets such as China, a country with an almost unlimited capacity.

"There is definitely demand," says Aydarkin. "For example, we were recently approached by one of the largest beef dealers in China, that sees volumes of more than 500 thousand tons of meat annually. This is more than the entire annual output in Kazakhstan! They looked at our enterprise, tasted our meat and said that they are prepared to take everything that we offer, the condition – a stable supply. Of course, it is important not to put all your eggs in one basket. After all, if you configure the entire system with only an eye on China, any problems entering the market will result in huge losses for the industry. Therefore, our strategy is to sell part of our volume inside Kazakhstan and export the rest. This guarantees us stability. It is also important for us to provide Kazakhstanis with high-quality, healthy meat."

Kusto's efforts to introduce innovation and best practices to Kazakhstan

An integral part of Kusto Group's strategy is reliable, quality feed production. For the company, securing their own food supply is a key to profitability – ensuring quality and avoiding the volatility of prices and unmanageable logistics. Kusto Group's agricultural operations include the cultivation of non-GMO corn for grain and silage, barley, and other crops.

Kusto Group's investment in feed production goes beyond providing a supply for its own integrated livestock operations by offering a high-quality, stable domestic product to farms that partner with the company. Smaller third-party feedlots who do not have the financial means to invest in their own feed operations can also benefit from Kusto Group's feed cultivation.

The company continues to pursue a vision of collaboration that benefits the entire agricultural ecosystem of Kazakhstan, not just their own operations. This strategy has motivated Kusto Group's efforts to improve seed production and cultivation abilities and to introduce modern soil irrigation technology.

As non-GMO seed production is a fundamental element of the American model of development, the company initiated a joint venture with the Minnesota-based Baumgartner Agricultural Science and Service (BASS) to introduce novel production methods to Kazakhstan. It is estimated that 10% of Kusto Group's production will be used to supply their own operations, and the rest will be sold on the domestic market and exported to Asia and Europe.

Kusto Group also signed a deal this year to partner with US-based Valmont Industries, a leading producer of precision irrigation systems, to build daniel kunin kusto group a production facility in Kazakhstan. Currently, only 7% of arable land in Kazakhstan is irrigated, which accounts for about 40% of the country's agricultural production. The introduction of modern irrigation technology will no doubt have a positive, far-reaching impact on the industry.

The company also inked a landmark deal with Tyson Fresh Meats, a division of the American Tyson Foods, one of the world's largest food production companies, to build a state-of-the-art meat processing facility in Kazakhstan with an estimated harvest capacity of 2,000 head per day. The deal is projected to provide an annual economic benefit https://www.conservativedailynews.com/2019/11/yerkin-tatishev-of-kusto-group-kazakhstan-can-produce-enough-meat-to-feed-2-billion-people/ in excess of one billion dollars (USD) to the country.

Achieving long-term, profitable growth and sustainability

"Building a sustainable protein export business and modern agricultural sector in Kazakhstan is a fascinating, supremely complex and interesting project," Daniel Kunin explains. "By definition, it requires long-term thinking, strategic planning, intensive stakeholder mapping and understanding, and the creation of a network of inter-linked partnerships that are both joint ventures but also intensive public-private partnerships."

Kusto Group also aims https://www.amazon.com.au to integrate farmers into their agricultural ecosystem. Farmers are at the heart of transitioning the sector from the framework of Soviet-modeled subsistence farming to a competitive network of small commodity producers. The company's initiatives include a breeding stock rental program to help farmers establish and build their own herds at a lower initial investment cost. Engaging individual farmers in the transition to modern agribusiness will help the entire system to increase productivity and achieve stable, sustainable growth.

"Achieving our ambitious – but attainable – vision of helping transform Kazakhstan's agricultural system will create a modern, competitive and prosperous sector in the national economy that can complement and maybe one day surpass the oil industry," says Kunin. "Once the elements of a well-functioning system are established, success will follow."

Article Source:

https://www.natureworldnews.com/articles/43392/20200206/kusto-groups-daniel-kunin-kazakhstans-agricultural-industry-is-primed-for-success.htm

Kusto Group has signed an agreement with US-based Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc., the beef and pork division of Tyson Foods, and the kusto group Republic of Kazakhstan on a project that will include the construction of a beef processing facility in Kazakhstan. The new modern processing facility will have an anticipated harvest capacity of 2,000 head per day.

KUSTO GROUP'S SIGNS DEAL WITH TYSON FOODS

On December 9, 2019, Kazakh Prime Minister Askar Mamin, Steve Stouffer, group president Tyson Fresh Meats, and Yerkin Tatishev, chairman of the board of directors of Kusto Group met at the Arkansas headquarters of Tyson Foods to sign the landmark agricultural investment deal.

The agreement between one of the world's largest food companies, the Kazakh government and a leading local beef producer is projected to provide an annual agricultural economic benefit to the country well in excess of one billion dollars (USD) and marks the largest deal in the country's agricultural sector since its independence in 1991.

This deal is an important collaboration between the private sector and the government of Kazakhstan that will bring new technologies and best practices improving the country's agricultural production and will lead to the creation of thousands of sustainable and skilled jobs.

"We are delighted to welcome Tyson Foods to Kazakhstan," stated Prime Minister Mamin. "Tyson is a world-class company with the expertise necessary to help Kazakhstan jump-start the transformation of our agro-protein capabilities and help us create an ecosystem that will increase our beef herd size and establish conditions to support thousands of new high-quality jobs in the country. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial collaboration."

INVESTMENT DEAL IS A MILESTONE FOR KAZAKHSTAN

The investment of a global leader in protein production in Kazakhstan represents an important vote of confidence in the modernization and development of the country's agricultural sector and in the economy in general. Tyson Foods has recognized Kazakhstan's potential to become a leading producer of beef for domestic and international markets.

"At Kusto, we believe in the tremendous potential of Kazakhstan to transform into a global agricultural player, helping provide first class products for consumers around the world," stated Yerkin Tatishev, chairman of the board of directors, Kusto Group. "Together with Tyson Foods, we are taking a first step in that direction today with our beef operations and look forward to getting underway".

Kazakhstan's continued efforts to attract foreign investors have been successful and this agreement will likely make others in the industry to take notice of the country's growth and expansion potential for business investment.

"Kazakhstan is differentiating itself from the rest through innovation, attracting international investors and heading towards the front the pack (of emerging economies worldwide)," says Yerkin Tatishev, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kusto Group.

AN AGRICULTURAL REVOLUTION IN KAZAKHSTAN

Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country in the world. Its location in Central Asia means that it is close to large potential export markets in China, Russia and the Middle East. The country's government has identified the livestock and protein export industry as a key growth market.

This agreement between Tyson Foods, Kusto Group and the Kazakh government represents efforts to expand and modernize the country's underdeveloped agricultural sector, beginning with the beef yerkin tatishev production industry.

"We're pleased to execute an agreement with the Government of Kazakhstan and partner with Kusto," stated Steve Stouffer, group president Tyson Fresh Meats. "This opportunity supports one of our growth strategies to expand Tyson's global business, and we look forward to bringing our expertise and capabilities to the country of Kazakhstan."

KUSTO GROUP AIMS TO MAKE KAZAKHSTAN A LEADING PLAYER IN GLOBAL AGRICULTURE.

Kazakhstan's agricultural sector is currently experiencing a rejuvenation and Kusto Group has been a driving force in bringing investments and new technologies to establish the components required for a modern, sustainable industry. The Singapore-based holding company which operates in multiple sectors across multiple countries has roots in Kazakhstan.

"At Kusto, we are convinced of the value of partnerships and sharing best practices," says Tatishev. "Over the past 12 months, we have inked a series of investment partnerships with leading US firms to bring state-of-the-art farming vcpost.com/articles/123087/20191217/yerkin-tatishev-s-kusto-group-signs-major-investment-deal-with-us-based-tyson-foods.htm methods and agricultural technology to Kazakhstan."

Earlier this year, Kusto Group signed a joint venture with US-based Valmont Industries, a leading producer of modern irrigation systems. The companies will work together to build an irrigation system production plant in Kazakhstan. Only seven percent of the country's arable land is currently irrigated. With vast open spaces of fertile, rich soil, the implementation of modern irrigation techniques will have a transformative effect on Kazakhstan's harvest potential.

The company has implemented a new protein londonlovesbusiness.com/yerkin-tatishevs-kusto-group-enters-expanding-uzbekistan-consumer-market-with-wendys-restaurant-franchise/ strategy within its own Kazbeef operations aimed at raising the standards of the livestock industry across the country, making Kazakhstan one of the world's leading producers of high-quality beef.

Kusto Group' Kazbeef was the first to import superior breeding stock of Hereford and Angus cattle from the United States and has used leading genetic methods to establish the foundation of a premium quality beef herd. The company recently expanded its own operation with the construction of a Daniel Kunin new processing facility in the Akmola region of the country.

"This latest deal with Tyson is a great achievement for this strategy and the product of many months of hard work," said Yerkin Tatishev. "Most importantly, this deal will have an incredible impact on the lives of many Kazakhstanis in rural areas that need it most. It is all part of the modernisation, diversification and rebalancing of the Kazakh economy that is currently taking place to put the country on the path of sustainable growth."

Article Source:

https://www.vcpost.com/articles/123087/20191217/yerkin-tatishev-s-kusto-group-signs-major-investment-deal-with-us-based-tyson-foods.htm

Kusto Group and the government of Kazakhstan share a common mission to promote sustainable growth within the country's agricultural sector, developing partnerships that provide for the adoption of new technologies and industry best practices.

Daniel Kunin, a managing director at Kusto Group, says that cooperation between the private sector company and the government of Kazakhstan has been and will continue to play a critical role in the growth of the company, the agricultural sector and that of the entire national economy.

Kusto Group, a multinational corporation based in Singapore with roots in Kazakhstan, has demonstrated its commitment to the modernization and development of Kazakhstan's agricultural industry through the expansion of its local operations, the advancement of new initiatives and through the formation of global partnerships.

Kusto Group signs landmark deal with Tyson Foods

Last month, Kusto Group, the government of Kazakhstan and US-based Tyson Foods, one of the world's largest food companies, signed an agreement to collaborate on a project that includes the construction of a modern beef processing plant in Kazakhstan with an anticipated 2,000 head per day capacity.

The deal, the largest in the agricultural sector since Kazakhstan's independence, is projected to benefit the county in excess of one billion dollars. The joint venture includes the construction of three different meat processing facilities in Kazakhstan over the next 5-10 years. Construction of the first plant is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2020.

Yerkin Tatishev, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kusto Group, called the deal, "A huge step towards meeting Kusto's ambition of making Kazakhstan a global leader in agriculture through the use of modern technologies and world-best practices. Their investment is recognition of the enormous potential of Kazakhstan's agricultural sector and of the confidence in Kazakhstan's investment climate more broadly."

Realizing Kazakhstan's agricultural potential

The oil and natural gas sectors have long been the primary focus and foundation of Kazakhstan's economy. However, weak oil prices experienced over the last few years have forced the nation to pursue economic diversification with renewed fervor.

The agricultural sector has become a priority area for development for the Kazakh government and cooperation between the private sector and the public has become a crucial element in achieving growth and attracting foreign investment.

"Kusto Group's upcoming emphasis on building a sustainable protein export business and modern agricultural sector in Kazakhstan is a fascinating, supremely complex and interesting project," Kunin explained. "By definition, it requires long-term thinking, strategic planning, intensive stakeholder mapping and understanding, and the creation of a network of inter-linked partnerships that are both joint ventures but also intensive public-private partnerships."

Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Askar Mamin (center), attends a signing ceremony between Yerkin Tatishev, Chairman of the Board of Kusto Group (right), and Steve Kaniewski, President and CEO of Valmont Industries (left).

Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Askar Mamin (center), attends a signing ceremony between Yerkin Tatishev, Chairman of the Board of Kusto Group (right), vir.com.vn/kustos-prospects-after-diamond-island-triumph-63087.html and Steve Kaniewski, President and CEO of Valmont Industries (left).

In July 2019, Kusto Group signed a joint venture with US-based Valmont Industries and Global Beef to manufacture modern irrigation systems in Kazakhstan. The venture is backed by a $50 million investment and the planned manufacturing facility is expected to be able to produce 1000 systems per year.

Valmont Industries is a leading producer and distributor of agricultural infrastructure products. Currently, Kazakhstan's agricultural sector lacks modern equipment and infrastructure to support sustainable production growth. The introduction of modern irrigation systems is expected to have a transformative effect on the industry.

A comprehensive commitment to growth

Kusto Group has long been focused on achieving success beyond its own operations.

According to Kunin, "Thinking about how a project affects local stakeholders such as a town or community is very important. At Kusto, there is a deep sense of ethical responsibility to all stakeholders that goes beyond the usual slogans. In our partnerships, the operating principle is to treat a partner as if they were a team-member of Kusto. This ethic pays huge dividends in the medium to long term."

This year, KazBeef, a subsidiary of Kusto Group, opened a new meat processing facility in the Akmola region of Kazakhstan. The new facility has a storage capacity of up to 6,000 tons of beef per year. KazBeef's current operations cover 120,000 hectares of pastureland in the region alone, which supports 5,000 head of Angus and Hereford cattle.

Kusto Find out more Group was the first daniel kunin kusto group in the country to import pedigree breeding stock from the United States in order to ensure the best genetic foundation of its cattle. Kazbeef organized the first annual auction of pedigree breeding stock cattle in 2013 as a way to contribute to the development of the livestock breeding stock of the entire country.

Kusto Group's agricultural initiatives

Kusto Group's KazBeef operates a vertically integrated approach to livestock production, with a demonstrated concern for quality at every stage of production – from seed to table.

One of Kusto Group's early joint ventures in agriculture was with an American firm to develop and introduce high-yield, non-GMO seeds for feed crops to their operations.

KazSeed was developed Daniel Kunin in 2018 as a cooperative initiative between Kusto Group and Baumgartner Agriculture Science and Service (BASS), a Minnesota-based firm founded medium.com/@u6hbiyw618/kusto-group-thrives-in-the-competitive-ukrainian-agro-sector-yerkin-tatishev-b205722596f1 by a third-generation seed breeder.

The company is developing and producing world-class non-GMO seeds that are specifically selected for the climate and environment of Kazakhstan, providing high yields in the fodder crops needed for KazBeef's rapidly expanding livestock division. Through this initiative, the company has ambitions to transform Kazakhstan into a major seed hub of the region.

In looking to the future, Kusto Group hopes to extend KazSeed and KazBeef sales beyond the borders of Kazakhstan. It anticipates the prospect of supplying seeds and beef products to all of Central Asia, as well as entering the nearby Russian and Chinese markets. Joint ventures and private-public partnerships provide a solid framework for expansion and sustainable growth for the company and the entire national industry.

"Kusto Group is proud to be working with the Kazakh Government in the shared interest of advancing Kazakhstan's development," said Yerkin Tatishev. "We will continue our efforts to open up the Kazakh agricultural sector to the technological expertise and financial clout of US businesses at such an important time in the country's history."

Article Source:

https://www.newseveryday.com/articles/64377/20200110/daniel-kunin-kusto-group-private-public-cooperation-key-successful-transformation.htm

Kusto Group has signed an agreement with US-based daniel kunin kusto group Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc., the beef and pork division of Tyson Foods, and the Republic of Kazakhstan on a project that will include the construction of a beef processing facility in Kazakhstan. The new modern processing facility will have an anticipated harvest capacity of 2,000 head per day.

KUSTO GROUP'S SIGNS DEAL WITH TYSON FOODS

On December 9, 2019, Kazakh Prime Minister Askar Mamin, Steve Stouffer, group president Tyson Fresh Meats, and Yerkin Tatishev, chairman of the board of directors of Kusto Group met at the Arkansas headquarters of Tyson Foods to sign the landmark agricultural investment deal.

The agreement between one of the world's largest food companies, the Kazakh government and a leading local beef producer is projected to provide an annual agricultural economic benefit to the country well in excess of one billion dollars (USD) and marks the largest deal in the country's agricultural sector since its independence in 1991.

This deal is an important collaboration between the private sector and the government of Kazakhstan that will bring new technologies and best practices improving the country's agricultural production and will yerkin tatishev lead to the creation of thousands of sustainable and skilled jobs.

"We are delighted to welcome Tyson Foods Daniel Kunin to Kazakhstan," stated Prime Minister Mamin. "Tyson is a world-class company with the expertise necessary to help Kazakhstan jump-start the transformation of our agro-protein capabilities and help us create an ecosystem that will increase our beef herd size and establish conditions to support thousands of new high-quality jobs in the country. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial collaboration."

INVESTMENT DEAL IS A MILESTONE FOR KAZAKHSTAN

The investment of a global leader in protein production in Kazakhstan represents an important vote of confidence in the modernization and development of the country's agricultural sector and in the economy in general. Tyson Foods has recognized Kazakhstan's potential to become a leading producer of beef for domestic and international markets.

"At Kusto, we believe in the tremendous potential of Kazakhstan to transform into a https://jewishbusinessnews.com/2019/10/24/kusto-groups-tambour-to-participate-in-an-entrepreneurial-technology-incubator-initiative-in-peripheral-israel/ global agricultural player, helping provide first class products for consumers around the world," stated Yerkin Tatishev, chairman of the board of directors, Kusto Group. "Together with Tyson Foods, we are taking a first step in that direction today with our beef operations and look forward to getting underway".

Kazakhstan's continued efforts to attract foreign investors have been successful and this agreement will likely make others in the industry to take notice of the country's growth and expansion potential for business investment.

"Kazakhstan is differentiating itself from the rest through innovation, attracting international investors and heading towards the front the pack (of emerging economies worldwide)," says Yerkin Tatishev, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kusto Group.

AN AGRICULTURAL REVOLUTION IN KAZAKHSTAN

Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country in the world. Its location in Central Asia means that it is close to large potential export markets in China, Russia and the Middle East. The country's government has identified the livestock and protein export industry as a key growth market.

This agreement between Tyson Foods, Kusto Group and the Kazakh government represents efforts to expand and modernize the country's underdeveloped agricultural sector, beginning with the beef production industry.

"We're pleased to execute an agreement with the Government of Kazakhstan and partner with Kusto," stated Steve Stouffer, group president Tyson Fresh Meats. "This opportunity supports one of our growth strategies to expand Tyson's global business, and we look forward to bringing our expertise and capabilities to the country of Kazakhstan."

KUSTO GROUP AIMS TO MAKE KAZAKHSTAN A LEADING PLAYER IN GLOBAL AGRICULTURE.

Kazakhstan's agricultural sector is currently experiencing a rejuvenation and Kusto Group has been a driving force in bringing investments and new technologies to establish the components required for a modern, sustainable industry. The Singapore-based holding company which operates in multiple sectors across multiple countries has roots in Kazakhstan.

"At Kusto, we are convinced of the value of partnerships and sharing best practices," says Tatishev. "Over the past 12 months, we have inked a series of investment partnerships with leading US firms to bring state-of-the-art farming methods and agricultural technology to Kazakhstan."

Earlier this year, Kusto Group signed a joint venture with US-based Valmont Industries, a leading producer of modern irrigation systems. The companies will work together to build an irrigation system production plant in Kazakhstan. Only seven percent of the country's arable land is currently irrigated. With vast open spaces of yerkin tatishev kusto group fertile, rich soil, the implementation of modern irrigation techniques will have a transformative effect on Kazakhstan's harvest potential.

The company has implemented a new protein strategy within its own Kazbeef operations aimed at raising the standards of the livestock industry across the country, making Kazakhstan one of the world's leading producers of high-quality beef.

Kusto Group' Kazbeef was the first to import superior breeding stock of Hereford and Angus cattle from the United States and has used leading genetic methods to establish the foundation of a premium quality beef herd. The company recently expanded its own operation with the construction of a new processing facility in the Akmola region of the country.

"This latest deal with Tyson is a great achievement for this strategy and the product of many months of hard work," said Yerkin Tatishev. "Most importantly, this deal will have an incredible impact on the lives of many Kazakhstanis in rural areas that need it most. It is all part of the modernisation, diversification and rebalancing of the Kazakh economy that is currently taking place to put the country on the path of sustainable growth."

Article Source:

https://www.vcpost.com/articles/123087/20191217/yerkin-tatishev-s-kusto-group-signs-major-investment-deal-with-us-based-tyson-foods.htm

Kusto Group has signed an agreement with US-based Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc., the beef and pork division of Tyson Foods, and the Republic of Kazakhstan on a project that will include the construction of a beef processing facility in Kazakhstan. The new modern processing facility will have an anticipated harvest capacity of 2,000 head per day.

KUSTO GROUP'S SIGNS DEAL WITH TYSON FOODS

On December 9, 2019, Kazakh Prime Minister Askar Mamin, Steve Stouffer, group president Tyson Fresh Meats, and Yerkin Tatishev, chairman of the board of directors of Kusto Group met at the Arkansas headquarters of Tyson Foods to sign the landmark agricultural investment deal.

The agreement between one of the world's largest food companies, the Kazakh government and a leading local beef producer is projected to provide an annual agricultural economic benefit to the country well in excess of one billion dollars (USD) and marks the largest deal in the country's agricultural sector since its independence in 1991.

This deal is an important collaboration between the private sector and the government of Kazakhstan that will bring new technologies and best practices improving the country's agricultural production and will lead to the creation of thousands of sustainable and skilled jobs.

"We are delighted to welcome Tyson Foods to Kazakhstan," stated Prime Minister Mamin. "Tyson is a world-class company with the expertise necessary to help Kazakhstan jump-start the transformation of our agro-protein capabilities and help us create an ecosystem that will increase our beef herd size and establish conditions to support thousands of new high-quality jobs in the country. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial collaboration."

INVESTMENT DEAL IS A MILESTONE FOR KAZAKHSTAN

The investment of a global leader in protein production in Kazakhstan represents an important vote of confidence in the modernization and development of the country's agricultural sector and in the economy in general. Tyson Foods has recognized Kazakhstan's potential to become a leading producer of beef for domestic and international markets.

"At Kusto, we believe in the tremendous potential of Kazakhstan to transform into a global agricultural player, helping provide first class products for consumers around the world," stated Yerkin Tatishev, chairman of the kusto group board of directors, Kusto Group. "Together with Tyson Foods, we are taking a first step in that direction today with our beef operations and look forward to getting underway".

Kazakhstan's continued efforts to attract foreign investors have been successful and this agreement will likely make others in the industry to take notice of the country's growth and expansion potential for business investment.

"Kazakhstan is differentiating itself from the rest through innovation, attracting international investors and heading towards the front the pack (of emerging economies worldwide)," says Yerkin Tatishev, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kusto Group.

AN AGRICULTURAL REVOLUTION IN KAZAKHSTAN

Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country in the world. Its location in Central Asia means that it is close to large potential export markets in China, Russia and the Middle East. The country's government has identified the livestock and protein export industry as a key growth market.

This agreement between Tyson Foods, Kusto Group and the Kazakh government represents efforts to expand and modernize the country's underdeveloped agricultural sector, beginning with the beef production industry.

"We're pleased to execute an agreement with the Government of Kazakhstan and partner with Kusto," stated Steve Stouffer, group president Tyson Fresh Meats. "This opportunity supports one of our growth strategies to expand Tyson's global business, and we look forward to bringing our expertise and capabilities to the country of Kazakhstan."

KUSTO GROUP AIMS TO MAKE KAZAKHSTAN A LEADING PLAYER IN GLOBAL AGRICULTURE.

Kazakhstan's agricultural sector is currently experiencing a rejuvenation and Kusto Group has been a driving force in bringing investments and new technologies to establish the components required for a modern, sustainable industry. The Singapore-based holding company which operates in multiple sectors across multiple countries has roots in Kazakhstan.

"At Kusto, we are convinced of the value of partnerships and sharing best practices," says Tatishev. "Over the past 12 months, we have inked a series of investment partnerships with leading US firms to bring state-of-the-art farming methods and agricultural technology to Kazakhstan."

Earlier this year, Kusto Group signed a joint venture with US-based Valmont Industries, a leading producer of modern irrigation systems. The companies will work together to build an irrigation system production plant in Kazakhstan. Only seven percent of the country's arable land is currently irrigated. With vast open spaces of fertile, rich soil, the implementation of modern irrigation techniques will have a transformative effect on Kazakhstan's harvest potential.

The company has implemented a new protein strategy within its own Kazbeef operations aimed at raising the standards of the livestock industry across the country, making Kazakhstan one of the world's leading producers of high-quality beef.

Kusto Group' Kazbeef was the first to import superior breeding stock of Hereford and Angus cattle from the United States and has used leading genetic methods to establish the foundation of a premium quality beef herd. The company recently expanded its own operation with the construction of a new processing facility in the Akmola region of the country.

"This latest deal with Tyson is a great achievement for this strategy and the product of many months of hard work," said Yerkin Tatishev. "Most importantly, this deal will have an incredible impact on the lives of many Kazakhstanis in rural areas that need it most. It is all part of the modernisation, diversification and rebalancing of the Kazakh economy that is currently taking place to put the country on the path of sustainable growth."

Article Source:

https://www.vcpost.com/articles/123087/20191217/yerkin-tatishev-s-kusto-group-signs-major-investment-deal-with-us-based-tyson-foods.htm

Kusto Group has signed an agreement with US-based Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc., the beef and pork division of Tyson Foods, and the Republic of Kazakhstan on a project that will include the construction of a beef processing facility in Kazakhstan. The new modern processing facility will have an anticipated harvest capacity of 2,000 head per day.

KUSTO GROUP'S SIGNS DEAL WITH TYSON FOODS

On December 9, 2019, Kazakh Prime Minister Askar Mamin, Steve Stouffer, group president Tyson Fresh Meats, and Yerkin Tatishev, chairman of the board of directors of Kusto Group met at the Arkansas headquarters of Tyson Foods to sign the landmark agricultural investment deal.

The agreement between one of the world's largest food companies, the Kazakh government and a leading local beef producer is projected to provide an annual agricultural economic benefit to the country well in excess of one billion dollars (USD) and marks the largest deal in the country's agricultural sector since its independence in 1991.

This deal is an important collaboration between the private sector and the government of Kazakhstan that will bring new technologies and best practices improving the country's agricultural production and will lead to the creation of thousands of sustainable and skilled jobs.

"We are delighted to welcome Tyson Foods to Kazakhstan," stated Prime Minister Mamin. "Tyson is a world-class company with the expertise necessary to help Kazakhstan jump-start the transformation of our agro-protein capabilities and help us create an ecosystem that will increase our beef herd size and establish conditions to support thousands of new high-quality jobs in the country. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial collaboration."

INVESTMENT DEAL IS A MILESTONE FOR KAZAKHSTAN

The investment of a global leader in protein production in Kazakhstan represents an important vote of confidence in the modernization and development of the country's agricultural sector and in the economy in general. Tyson Foods has recognized Kazakhstan's potential to become a leading producer of beef for domestic and international markets.

"At Kusto, we believe in the tremendous potential of Kazakhstan to transform into a global agricultural player, helping provide first class products for consumers around the world," stated Yerkin Tatishev, chairman of the board of directors, Kusto Group. "Together with Tyson Foods, we are taking a first step in that direction today with our beef operations and look forward to getting underway".

Kazakhstan's continued efforts to attract foreign investors have been successful and this agreement will likely make others in the industry to take notice of the country's growth and expansion potential for business investment.

"Kazakhstan is differentiating itself from the rest through innovation, attracting international investors and heading towards the front the pack (of emerging economies worldwide)," says Yerkin Tatishev, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kusto Group.

AN AGRICULTURAL REVOLUTION IN KAZAKHSTAN

Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country in the world. Its location in Central Asia means that it is close to large potential export markets in China, Russia and the Middle East. The country's government has identified the livestock and protein export industry as a key growth market.

This agreement between Tyson Foods, Kusto Group and the Kazakh government represents efforts to expand and modernize the country's underdeveloped agricultural sector, beginning with the beef production industry.

"We're pleased to execute an agreement with the Government of Kazakhstan and partner with Kusto," stated Steve Stouffer, group president Tyson Fresh Meats. "This opportunity supports one of our growth strategies to expand Tyson's global business, and we look forward to bringing our expertise and capabilities to the country of Kazakhstan."

KUSTO GROUP AIMS TO MAKE KAZAKHSTAN A LEADING PLAYER IN GLOBAL AGRICULTURE.

Kazakhstan's agricultural sector is currently experiencing a rejuvenation and Kusto Group has been a driving force in bringing investments and new technologies to establish the components required for a modern, sustainable industry. The Singapore-based holding company which operates in multiple sectors across multiple countries has roots in Kazakhstan.

"At Kusto, we are convinced of the value of partnerships and sharing best practices," says Tatishev. "Over the past 12 months, we have inked a series of investment partnerships with leading US firms to bring state-of-the-art farming methods and agricultural technology to Kazakhstan."

Earlier this year, Kusto Group signed a joint venture with US-based Valmont Industries, a leading producer of modern irrigation systems. The companies will work together to build an irrigation system production plant in Kazakhstan. Only seven percent of the country's arable land is currently irrigated. With vast open spaces of fertile, rich soil, the implementation of modern irrigation techniques will have a transformative effect on Kazakhstan's harvest potential.

The company has implemented a new protein strategy within its own Kazbeef operations aimed at raising the standards of the livestock industry across the country, making Kazakhstan one of the world's leading producers of high-quality beef.

Kusto Group' Kazbeef was the first to import superior breeding stock of Hereford and Angus cattle from yerkin tatishev the United States and has used leading genetic methods to establish the foundation of a premium quality beef herd. The company recently expanded its own operation with the construction of a new processing facility in the Akmola region of the country.

"This latest deal with Tyson is a great achievement for this strategy and the product of many months of hard work," said Yerkin Tatishev. "Most importantly, this deal will have an incredible impact on the lives of many Kazakhstanis in rural areas that need it most. It is all part of the modernisation, diversification and rebalancing of the Kazakh economy that is currently taking place to put the country on the path of sustainable growth."

Article Source:

https://www.vcpost.com/articles/123087/20191217/yerkin-tatishev-s-kusto-group-signs-major-investment-deal-with-us-based-tyson-foods.htm

KazSeed, a division of the multi-sector Kusto Group chaired by Yerkin Tatishev, is interested in tackling the issue of poor feed supply, one of the primary factors hampering the development of animal husbandry in Kazakhstan. The company's solution is to offer farmers American-bred high-yield fodder crop seeds.

"In the seed business, a lot depends on reputation," explains Serik Ramazanov, the financial director of KazSeed. "And you can lose it very quickly, in a second. Once you've sold low quality seeds – that's it, no one will work with you."

When it comes to reputation, Edward Baumgartner, the director of KazSeed, his knowledge and experience have made him a leader in the field of seed cultivation.

A third-generation seed breeder, Baumgartner grew up on a family farm in Minnesota, an agricultural powerhouse located in the United States Midwest. He graduated with a degree in agronomy and plant genetics from the University of Minnesota in 1983. Throughout his career, Baumgartner has worked with several large companies that specialize in seed breeding.

In 2005, he founded his own company in Puerto Rico specializing in the research and cultivation of corn hybrids. Baumgartner returned to his native Minnesota in 2013 where he developed his brainchild, Baumgartner Agriculture Science and Service (BASS).

His began collaborating with a Kazakhstan cattle company, Kazbeef, in 2016, supplying the company with corn seeds to produce silage for their breeder herd and feedlot cattle.

A visit to Minnesota

When Kusto Group acquired KazBeef in 2018, Yerkin Tatishev made it a priority to personally meet with all of the company's partners. This meant a trip to Minnesota for the Kazakh businessman to visit Edward Baumgartner and BASS's home base of operation. Tatishev was impressed by what he saw and in August of 2018, Kusto Group and BASS formed KazSeed as a joint venture between the two companies.

KazSeed plays an integral role in Kazbeef and Tatishev's protein strategy which they hope will ignite an agricultural revival in Kazakhstan. Baumgartner is currently preparing to move to Kazakhstan full-time to oversee the development and growth of the company.

Kazakhstan's livestock sector is currently experiencing an increase in growth. Kazbeef has outlined plans to double the size of its own operations. KazSeed's mission is to supply this growing industry with high yield forage crops such as corn, soybeans, alfalfa, sorghum, and millet. To achieve this task, the company will produce high-quality, highly productive seeds that have been specifically adapted to the local climate conditions.

The director of KazSeed emphasizes the similarity of climatic conditions of Minnesota and Kazakhstan as a reason for why the seed genetics developed at BASS will cultivate well in the soil of Kazakhstan.

"You need to use seeds that are designed and grown for specific conditions," says Edward Baumgartner. "Only then will they produce the greatest yield in accordance with production methods, soil and the environment. It is also necessary to take into consideration how exactly the cultivated grain will be used – for feeding cattle of meat breeds or dairy cows, poultry or other animals. Sowing imported seeds without an idea of how they will work in your fields is a very risky undertaking. Yes, Kazakh farmers have become convinced that the genetic potential for yields of imported seeds is higher than most of the available seeds on the local market. Our business model is to develop seeds specifically designed for our customers. We call this 'personalized seed production'."

A market full of potential

The country's current seed supply is inadequate both in terms of quantity and quality. During the first stages of the KazSeed venture, the company will continue growing and processing the seeds it supplies to Kazakh farmers from the United States. The prices – and quality – of the seeds will remain the same both in Kazakhstan and in the US, despite transport costs, with one standard bag of corn consisting of 80 thousand grains costing $175. In the future, the price per unit will be determined individually for each farm, depending on seed type, volume and other relevant factors.

KazSeed will supply seeds to other farmers across Kazakhstan in addition to their cooperation with KazBeef. 20-25 thousand hectares will be sown with KazSeed seeds in Kazakhstan next year – approximately half in https://www.zoominfo.com/p/Yerkin-Tatishev/-993202498 KazBeef fields, half in other farms throughout the country who have chosen to cooperate with the company.

For those who choose to cooperate with KazSeed, it is not only about buying seeds, the company will also supply full agronomic support to its clients, providing them with advanced genetics and new cultivation technologies. Edward Baumgartner is confident that through proper agronomy and seeds, the current corn crop yield of 6-7 tons per hectare can realistically be increased to 14-15 tons.

Negotiations are currently underway with the Kazakh National Agrarian University to work with Kazakhstani scientists to train students in the newest technology and best practices in agronomy.

"As a breeder and agronomist, I like to meet with my colleagues," said Edward Baumgartner. "We are committed to cooperating with scientific institutions of Kazakhstan, since our ultimate goal is to improve the agricultural sector in Kazakhstan to ensure food security in the region. This is achieved only through joint efforts."

Better than GMOs

KazSeed is laying the groundwork for an expansion into the country that will culminate in the construction of a plant for processing and packaging seeds in Kazakhstan, in addition to growing seeds there.

The plant is set to be built once the company reaches an annual sales volume of 100 thousand bags. Calculations predict that the company will achieve this milestone in 2023, meaning the start of seed cultivation in Kazakhstan will begin in 2024.

The plant's planned capacity will be 500 thousand units per year, and the equipment will be able to process seeds of various crops, not just corn. The plant will be capable of performing every step of seed processing – cleaning, sorting, calibration, dressing, seed packing. The budget for the project is around $45 million.

When it comes to seed cultivation, the company plans to outsource to farmers, of course with full technological support from KazSeed specialists, which will create lasting partnerships with local farms and provide these farms with a solid income.

KazSeed will also own land in the Almaty region for the cultivation of seeds. The approximate area of 1 to 5 thousand hectares will all be irrigated.

Kusto Group has established a joint venture with US-based Valmont Industries, the world leader in the production of irrigation systems. This partnership will not only include the installation of irrigation systems on their own lands, but also the construction of a plant in Kazakhstan to produce modern irrigation systems. Two circular machines of 100 hectares each have already gone into operation on KazBeef land.

Establishing a Eurasian seed hub

"Despite the fact that in the United States there is strong competition from large companies, we are growing from year to year," said Edward Baumgartner. "And we are confident that we can repeat this in Kazakhstan. Because our seeds are non-GMO, but they are not inferior to them in terms of yield, and sometimes surpass them. We work with large farmers and analyze the results – which hybrid gives more weight for silage, which has the best indicators for the content of proteins or fats. And depending on the needs of each farm, we develop a hybrid specifically for it. We will work here on the same principle."

In looking to the future, KazSeed hopes to extend its sales beyond the borders of Kazakhstan. It anticipates the prospect of supplying seeds to all of Central Asia, as well as entering the nearby Russian market, turning Kazakhstan into the seed hub of Eurasia. Many livestock farmers across the region have already expressed interest in the cultivation of high-yield seed varieties that the company specializes in.

According to Edward Baumgartner, he has already scheduled several meetings to discuss cooperation plans.

"I am flying Mongolia next week," said Baumgartner. "Livestock production there is already at a high level, the livestock is very large, but there are problems with feed. So, we think it is likely our seeds will sell well there. Given Kazakhstan's proximity to major global food consumers, Kazakh farmers have a huge advantage over the rest of the world. Now, we tentatively estimate the seed market in the country at $ 2.5 billion, but in reality, it has the potential to be much larger. However, much work remains to be done to realize this potential. A key area that is important for the successful operation of the seed industry in Kazakhstan is the protection of intellectual property."

Article Source:

https://www.foodworldnews.com/articles/69054/20191209/kusto-group-s-yerkin-tatishev-plans-to-turn-kazakhstan-into-a-seed-hub-of-eurasia.htm

Uzbekistan is among the world’s fastest growing economies and foreign retailers are beginning to take notice.

The arrival of a Wendy’s restaurant to a new shopping mall in Tashkent is another example of the consumer-led economic revitalization of Uzbekistan. The popular American fast food chain comes to the Central Asian country through a partnership between Yerkin Tatishev’s Singapore-based Kusto Group, Georgia’s Wissol Group and a local partner. According to Kazakhstani entrepreneur Tatishev, the group plans to expand their presence with the opening of 20 restaurants across the country over the next 10 years.

A consumer-led economic surge in Uzbekistan

With the third largest population of former Soviet states, behind Russia and Ukraine, and growing prosperity giving its people increased purchasing power, Uzbekistan has demonstrated tremendous potential for consumer-led growth.

The government under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has shifted away from the restrictive and isolationist policies of the late president Islam Karimov in favour of economic reform and a new set of tax reforms. This has created new opportunities for growth and attracted the attention of international investors. The first half of 2019 saw foreign direct investment up four-fold from the previous year.

Once considered an economic and social outcast, Uzbekistan’s transition to a free market economy has brought swift and robust change across all sectors. New reforms have opened the Uzbek market for foreign investment and development and ideas about what is considered business have evolved. Industry was once viewed as the only try economic pursuit, but today, that idea is being challenged by domestic and international companies.

The domestic retail chain, Korzinka, which has operated for nearly two and a half decades has 21 stores across the country by mid-2016. That figure has doubled to 50 in the short span of three years.

International retailers open shop

Foreign investment was once heavily concentrated on the oil and natural gas sector, accounting for nearly 70% just three to four years ago. Today, investment in other sectors has diversified and that figure has dropped to around 50% of total capital flowing into the country. Food processing, textiles and other sectors have attracted the interest of investors leading to a more balanced foreign direct investment.

The government has taken assertive steps to court investors. Uzbekistan has secured billion-dollar investment deals with Korean, Chinese, Japanese and Russia companies to manufacture cars, textiles and much more.

Western fast food staples, in addition to the Wendy’s restaurants brought to Uzbekistan by Kusto Group, have popped up around the capital of Tashkent including KFC which opened its first store at the end of 2018 and now can be found in several locations around the city. Taco Bell and Pizza Hut, also owned by the franchise giant Yum! Brands, could also be coming to Uzbekistan in the near future. And Uzbekistanis can now enjoy ice cream from the American chain, Baskin-Robbins.

Besides fast food chains, new malls have opened in the Uzbek capital of Tashkent and international retailers are beginning to set up shop offering their wares. LC Waikiki, a Turkish fashion retailer that has been expanding its presence in former Soviet Union countries, opened its first store in Uzbekistan this March.

Carrefour will likely be the first international grocer to enter the Uzbek market after Majid Al Futtaim, a company with ownership stakes in shopping malls around the Middle East, Africa and Asia, announced a partnership with AKFA, a local real estate and retail group, to open seven supermarkets and hypermarkets in the Central Asian country over the next two years.

Hani Weiss, chief executive of Majid Al Futtaim Retail, said in an official statement, “A supportive government, growing economy and high demand for a customer-centric offering like ours makes Uzbekistan a compelling fit for our expansion into Central Asia.”

Forecasts predict continued economic expansion

Growing prosperity in Uzbekistan has led to a shift in consumption patterns with an increase in demand yerkin tatishev for more diverse and higher quality goods. However, average incomes are still lower than in neighboring Kazakhstan and Russia, and unemployment levels remain high leading many young Uzbeks to seek work abroad. Government and business leaders hope that continued economic growth will spur job creation in the country.

“Providing opportunities for the next generation is equally important. As well as supporting local producers, our two restaurants have created more than 50 well-paying jobs,” said Yerkin Tatishev. “These jobs at a respected brand will give young people at the beginning of their career the chance to gain invaluable experience and learn from high-quality managers.”

“Our project is another endorsement of a region ‘on the up’,” said Tatishev, acknowledging Uzbekistan’s market potential and the influx of new investment and the arrival of new goods and services to the emerging economy. According to the IMF, Uzbekistan’s economy grew by 6% in 2018 and even faster growth is expected with up to 8% increase forecasted in the next few years.

Article Source:

Yerkin Tatishev’s Kusto Group enters expanding Uzbekistan consumer market with Wendy’s restaurant franchise

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