China approves law to enhance food security and modernize farming

China's top legislature on Friday approved a revised Agriculture Law, aiming to improve food security, boost farmers' incomes and advance agricultural modernization.

The Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress voted to adopt the revised law at its 24th session, which concluded on Friday. The revised law will take effect Jan 1, 2027.

With 14 chapters, the law sets out the basic goals of agricultural and rural economic development, including raising the overall production capacity, quality and efficiency of agriculture.

It also calls for ensuring stable and secure supplies of grain and other key agricultural products, increasing farmers' incomes and living standards, and promoting diversified employment for rural workers.

It further emphasizes efforts to narrow urban-rural and regional disparities, promote integrated urban-rural development and gradually modernize agriculture and rural areas.

The Agriculture Law, a fundamental piece of legislation governing China's agricultural and rural economy, was first enacted in 1993 and comprehensively revised in 2002. It was subsequently amended through individual provisions in 2009 and 2012.

The latest revision proposed to strengthen protections for farmers' rights and interests. It stipulated that governments at all levels should establish and improve a long-term mechanism to curb formalism and reduce burdens on grassroots officials.

It added provisions to develop technology-driven, green, quality-oriented and brand-focused agriculture.

It also encourages the integration of emerging technologies, including the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence, with agricultural production, business operations and management.