The student multidisciplinary applied research teams (SMART) is looking to engage 5-6 students in a month-long internship opportunity with Qimei.  Qimie is hosting an international conference at the end of June 2024 (part of the IFOAM Organic World Congress event series) to enhance confidence in Chinese organic food. The selected interns will support Qimie by preparing background briefs, post event survey tools and participate in various conference activities. In return, the interns will gain practical experience in both desk and field research, report writing, and event planning.

Client: Qimei Industrial Group Co., Ltd (Qimei), is one of China's largest organic produce companies. Qimei has around 2,300 acres of organic farmland and three processing facilities in Hebei. The company contracts with more than 3,500 farmers in villages across Hebei Province to grow a wide range of vegetable crops for the fresh and processed produce markets. Qimei products are certified organic by multiple third-party sources including USDA, EU, Canada COR, Japan JAS, and China OFDC. 

Roles & responsibilities: 

SMART Interns will actively participate in research, field visits and industry events that will allow them to learn about sustainable practices and consumption habits while contributing to consumer awareness through the following activities:

• Conduct comprehensive research that informs the community partner of:
  • Consumer perceptions towards Chinese organic produce
  • Market trends and challenges 
• Present background briefs to Qimei and various stakeholders 
• Travel to Handan, China to participate in both an international summit and company visit. 
  • Attend IFOAM summit (June 19-21) 
  • Participate in panel discussion(s) at the IFOAM summit
  • Interview summit participants 
  • Field and compile a post-event survey. 

Qualifications:

• Current students -graduate and undergraduates (preference will be given to those who have never been to China or have gone through the SMART program)
• Interest in organic food production, processing, value chains, etc. 
• Background in Applied Economics and Management, Agricultural Development, International Development, Public Policy, Journalism, Food & Nutrition. 
• Strong writing and communication skills
• Strong research (quantitative and qualitative methods) skills 
• Knowledge in programming and use of offline survey tools such as knowledge of Wenjuan Xing, ding ding will be of added advantage.
• Experience working in organic farms and/or stores will be advantageous.
• Strong time management abilities organized and able to meet deadlines without direct supervision.