Flexible grain imports needed to bolster nation's food security

More sustained efforts necessary to maintain growth in domestic production of staples

China should consider flexible grain imports from international markets and take steps to ensure sustained growth in domestic output of staple grains, for long-term food security, government officials and foreign exporters said on Thursday.

The first policy document of 2014 or the "No.1 Central Document" issued by the central government for the 11th consecutive year focusing on rural issues and agricultural development has identified food security as its top priority. It stressed that adequate grain imports would help ensure grain security.