Analytical overview of the Chinese organic sector with the focus on rural development

Like many others in China, the certified organic agriculture sector has grown rapidly, but with different characteristics than expected. Preliminary findings from this research show that there are inter-linking problems from farm to market in the whole value chain of organic production in China. For instance, lack of skills and knowledge at the farm level is leading to difficulties in adopting organic production practices. Traders are mainly interested in high-value single-crop marketing, and farmers are struggling to sell their other rotation crops. Access to information is difficult for farmers, as the resources for providing technical services and information on organic practices are limited. On the other hand, the application of Chinese organic standard has become increasingly stringent since the Chinese government updated the Chinese organic regulations and standards.