Acceptance of genetically modified crops is one step in China’s modernization efforts

Published Feb 2, 2024

Tridge summary

China has issued licenses to 26 domestic seed companies to produce and sell genetically modified (GM) corn and soybean seeds in an effort to boost domestic yields and reduce grain imports. The move, which could see GM crops achieve 85% market penetration in three to five years, is part of a broader strategy to modernize the country's agricultural sector. This includes mechanization and farm consolidation, as well as making farming more attractive to younger generations. The sector is currently grappling with challenges such as a shrinking and aging rural population.

Disclaimer: The above summary was generated by a state-of-the-art LLM model and is intended for informational purposes only. It is recommended that readers refer to the original article for more context.

Original content

China is about to start growing genetically modified crops. China has long accepted imports of genetically modified crops but did not grow them itself except in pilot tests. China did, however, grow GM cotton. That is changing. In December the government gave licences to 26 domestic seed companies to produce and commercially sell GM corn and soybean seeds. The goal is to increase domestic yields and total production to reduce the country’s reliance on imported grain. China has slowly built up the capacity of domestic seed breeders to create lines that are competitive with multi national seed companies. One of the companies approved for GM crop commercialization is Beijing Dabeinong Technology 002385.SZ . It said GM could hit 85 percent market penetration in three to five years, according to reporting by Reuters. The government in Beijing hopes introducing GM traits such as herbicide and pest resistance will help close the gap between China’s low yields and those in the United ...

Source: UkrAgroConsult