China has established a large organic agriculture industry over a short time starting only in 1990. Its development has been facilitated by some well-suited production locations with low pest and disease pressure.

The project involved a series of meetings with certification bodies and 17 on-site farm visits in China’s main production areas for rice, tea and vegetables. The investigation found some excellent organic agricultural production, as demonstrated by a diverse and abundant local ecology at sites visited, although it is not clear how representative this is of China’s overall organic situation. 

All visited farms perceived pest and disease control as a major difficulty. Organic production often involved the use of varying amounts of biopesticides, which are regulated in China under the same system as conventional pesticides. There is also a need for operational improvements, e.g. separation of organic products from non-organic products and food traceability. The availability and supply of technical and management information to farms was limited and certification bodies, in the absence of alternatives, found themselves as the key providers.

The biggest challenge facing the industry is the need to improve its commercial viability by developing the domestic consumer market. So far, the domestic consumer market remains poorly informed about organic produce and is sceptical of its certification. Additionally, improved economies of scale could help the industry become more competitive.

Download the report on Organic Agriculture in China – Current Situation and Challenges below:
 Organic Agriculture in China – Current Situation and Challenges 854.15 Kb