China announces new agricultural investment in science and technology

摘要

China is to increase spending on agricultural science and technology with larger subsidies being directed towards the most productive areas of the country. Grain farmers, in particular, are expected to receive more direct payments. In a policy document released by the country's State Council, the government also outlined plans for a boost in spending on genetically modified crops although the majority of the farm support is likely to be spent on more traditional items such as improved seeds, breedingstock and farm machinery at reduced prices, sources told the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD). The document said more funds will be directed towards large-scale farmers and cooperatives in the most productive regions but specific figures were not given. The ICTSD suggested that this could mean rice-producing areas in the south of the country could receive increased support, such as Hunan, Hubei, Guangdong, and Guangxi, while wheat-producing regions in the north and north-east of the country could also benefit.