Agriculture innovations feed China’s economy

Additional reforms needed to support farmers, urbanization efforts

Last week, the Chinese government considered ground-breaking reforms to boost the national economy and enhance its international marketplace through "rule of law." While many reforms were considered, those that support China's emphasis on food security are significant. Ensuring Chinese farmers have access to innovation and modern farming practices will ensure China's agriculture system can feed urban growth.

For much of the Northern Hemisphere, October is the month when farmers take stock of their harvest; and China is no different. In North America and Europe, combine harvesters operate from sunrise to sunset until November. By contrast, among China's 600 million farmers, most families handpick their bounty and then dry it along the roadside. However, recently while in China's Shandong Province, I witnessed a glimpse of modern agriculture moving onto the scene.

Agriculture in China has transformed in the last few years, and will continue to modernize at rapid speed. It has to. China has 19 percent of the world's population, but only 7 percent of its farmland. In little more than a generation, the country has become a model for a world increasingly concerned with feeding 9 billion people by 2050. This transformation is based on long-term planning, consistent policies to encourage food production, and a willingness to embrace scientific advances. These efforts should be applauded and are necessary for the future.

Looking ahead, China must continue to reengineer its food system in a sustainable manner. As farmers consolidate operations, novel infrastructure and supply chains are taking shape which will ultimately help improve the nutritional quality of food and feed, and increase food safety. Adoption of innovation to increase product shelf life by protecting food against yeast and mold, as well as better food packaging that lowers the risk of food decay or contamination during transit and on the shelf, is as important as innovation in the field.

Food security is a challenge that every industry has a role in: from communications to finance, e-commerce to mass transit. As the next generation of entrepreneurs and business people hear the call of bustling urban centers, we must also ensure young professionals see their role in China's agricultural revolution. Modern agriculture requires modern people who are trained to use technology on and off the farm.

While an estimated 19 million people moved to China's cities in 2012 alone, farmers continue to see agricultural innovation as an exciting career. Chinese farmers are becoming more modern with each season. Purchases of combine harvesters nearly tripled in the last eight years. Use of advanced hybrid seed and inputs continues to climb. Dairy operations are more reminiscent of those in Europe and the United States, building trust in the quality of locally produced milk.

With the ranks of China's middle class expected to include 950 million people by 2030, they will expect the same diverse, protein-rich, nutritious food choices of families around the world, according to a white paper released by DuPont in 2013. Global food security depends on China's ability to feed itself. And while domestic production is expected to only meet 72 percent of national demand, China has the opportunity to continue supporting global trade initiatives to feed not only its own people, but reduce malnutrition elsewhere. Public-private collaborations with the world's leading industry experts can ignite change and achieve shared goals. China can help foster these partnerships by continuing to support policies that spur innovation, mechanization and trade.

To be sustainable, investors must share a long-view toward innovation to ensure food availability and safety for all families. Efforts to continue increasing investment in innovation and local collaboration across many professional industries are essential to the future economy.

Following more than 20 years of working in agriculture across Asia, I believe the opportunity today for China agriculture is one of the most fascinating. Experiencing firsthand the excitement for this year's combine harvest in rural China, I have no doubt agricultural entrepreneurs will fully leverage the power of global science and local solutions to continue feeding China's growth. As leaders envision bold economic reforms, we look forward to working together to help feed the world.