Cross-strait farm cooperation urged

China should pursue sustainable agricultural development because food security remains an urgent issue. Guo Jianjun, head of  the agriculture research office at the Development Research Center of the State Council, said that while prices of primary products have been surging recently, "it does not very much benefit the producers, peasants. It’s a double-edged sword."

Speaking at a recent agricultural forum held in Fujian, Guo said decreasing agricultural acreage, lagging farm technology and the widening gap between rural and urban development are some of the major factors affecting food production.

What’s On in Xiamen quoted Guo as saying China should upgrade its agricultural cooperative institutions. Guo also suggested that the mainland utilize Taiwan’s experience in developing agricultural associations.

At the same forum, Sun Ming-hsien, executive chairman of the 21st Century Foundation in Taiwan, expressed optimism for greater cooperation in agriculture between Taiwan and China. "To cultivate ‘professional’ peasants is necessary in future agriculture development," Sun said.