The theme of the event was 'Into the Future', which meant that presentations covered a wide range of topics about the future challenges and opportunities facing the poultry industry in Iran and worldwide. Aviagen presenters explored a range of topics, such as breeding for the future, developments in the global poultry industry and planning together for a successful future. In addition, the seminar provided an opportunity for guests to meet the new CEO of the Kowsar Agriculture Investment Company, Mr Moshirian and get an understanding of his vision for the business.

Zarbal Grandparent Company is the biggest producer of parent stock (PS) in Iran, distributing around 6.5 million Ross PS per year. Mr Ghorbani, Managing Director of Zarbal GP Company, gave an insight into the company's investment programme, which includes a hatchery, grand parent (GP) farm and feed mill to increase production capacity and further improve the operation.

A new 35-hectare GP farm in Rasht was acquired in February 2005 and was refurbished using state-of-the-art equipment. Zarbal has heavily invested in this new GP facility which is capable of producing approximately two million PS annually.

The new GP hatchery is to be located close to the farm in Rasht and the investment into the hatchery runs to around $7 million. The hatchery is due to be operational in early 2010 and will have a production capacity of around 24 million eggs per year.

John Maguire, Ross Sales Manager for the Middle East & Africa, said, "The market in Iran is very important. Through close planning with our distributor partner Zarbal we are very positive about our future. Already good management which takes advantage of the great genetic potential of the Ross birds has led to Ross taking over three quarters of the market here, a tremendous result for all involved with the brand."

Mr Ghorbani added, "We are delighted to be working so closely with our customers and the Ross team and this seminar showed that Ross is the right brand for now and the future thanks to the genetic potential of the product combined with the excellent support network we have in place."

As always though, there was time for some relaxation and networking with a dinner for all delegates and a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage site at Persepolis.

Michael Garden, Regional Technical Manager, concluded, "It was fitting to hold a seminar to discuss the future direction of our industry in a place which has been a centre of trade for over 2500 years. We look forward to continued success in Iran for our distributor and their customers."