The central government has recently promulgated this year’s first agricultural document, which contains the following policies concerning livestock production:
First, hog futures trading should be pushed forward to stabilize hog production. It is surmised that hog futures may be kicked off this year.
Second, pork reserve is to be expanded to ease pork market fluctuations. So far, many provinces and cities have built their own pork reserve.
Third, exports of farm products with an advantage in the international market should be given full support, but excessive livestock imports should be curbed to prevent their negative impact on the domestic market. The pork imports in 2008 had some impact on the market price.
Fourth, agricultural insurance should be extended to more regions and subsidy for this purpose will be provided to western provinces. This policy is sure to promote the popularization of livestock insurance in 2009.
Fifth, more subsidy will be provided to the nursing of fine livestock breeds and reward will be given to major livestock-producing counties. More investment will be poured into construction of standardized livestock farms.
Sixth, livestock disease tracking system and livestock labeling system should be established in more regions. Livestock quarantine system should be improved.
Seventh, feed and food quality supervision system should be further strengthened and relevant regulations should be made.
Eighth, the government will promote the development of large domestic agricultural enterprises and restrict foreign companies’ acquisition of domestic feed and meat enterprises.
Ninth, farm product distribution system is to be developed and large chain store companies are encouraged to build their network in the rural areas.
Tenth, agricultural cooperatives are advocated to enable farmers to share the added value of farm product processing and distribution.
