China is making strides in the commercialization of genetically modified (GM) crops. On December 31, the government approved 12 new types of GM soybeans, corn, and cotton. After years of testing, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs issued safety certificates for these varieties. This brings the total number of approved GM crops in China to at least 64 corn varieties and 17 soybean varieties since the beginning of 2023.
The push for GM crops is driven by China’s urgent need for food security. The country is focusing on increasing its domestic production of essential staples like corn and soybeans. This effort aims to boost crop yields and reduce the nation’s dependence on food imports, especially in a world filled with geopolitical tensions.
In 2023, China imported about 99.4 million tonnes of soybeans, with 70% coming from Brazil and 24% from the United States. It also brought in over 27 million tonnes of corn, a significant 31.6% increase from the previous year. Around 47% of this corn also came from Brazil. The majority of imported GM crops are used as animal feed, while non-GM varieties are typically for human consumption.
Though plans for fully commercializing GM crops are not explicitly stated, they fit into China’s overall strategy for food security. Leaders like President Xi Jinping have stressed the need to safeguard this critical aspect. Xi famously asserted that the food supply for China’s 1.4 billion people should always be in their own hands.
However, there are challenges. China’s food security has deteriorated over the years. Once a net food exporter, the country became a net importer in 2004. This change raises concerns about its reliance on global markets, making China vulnerable to export bans and price shifts. Ensuring food stability remains a top priority for the Chinese government as it navigates these complex challenges.
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Source linkfood security, genetically modified, GMOs, exports, imports, herbicide, Xi Jinping, food safety, corn, China, soybeans, Heilongjiang province, urbanisation, GM crops, public scepticism
