China’s top rural policy blueprint for 2026 keeps grain output near 700 million tonnes and signals a renewed push on domestic oilseeds and agricultural modernisation as the country remains a major importer of farm commodities.

China’s annual top-level rural policy blueprint for 2026 set a goal of keeping national grain output at around 700 million tonnes, while stepping up efforts to expand domestic oilseed supplies, strengthen farmland protection and accelerate the use of technologies such as AI, drones, IoT and robotics in farming.

Issued as the first policy statement released each year by China’s central authorities, the “No. 1 Central Document” is widely read as a signal of Beijing’s priorities for agriculture, food security and rural development. The document calls for stabilising grain and edible oil production, while promoting integrated gains from “good land, good seed, good machinery and good practices” and pushing large-area yield improvements. It also highlights upgrading grain circulation efficiency and promoting higher-quality, market-preferred varieties to support better pricing outcomes.

Official data show total grain output rose to 714.88 million tonnes in 2025, up 1.2% from 2024. In 2024, production reached a then-record 706.50 million tonnes, the first time the country topped 700 million tonnes.

OILSEEDS

On oilseeds, Beijing signalled a broader domestic supply push. The document calls for consolidating and improving soybean capacity and expanding production space for rapeseed, peanuts and oil tea (camellia), aiming to diversify edible oil sources domestically. The policy focus comes as China remains heavily reliant on imported oilseeds. Customs data show China imported a record 111.83 million tonnes of soybeans in 2025, up 6.5% from 2024.

FEED AND LIVESTOCK

In a section focused on improving the “vegetable basket” supply system, the policy backs the development of silage corn and alfalfa and other forage crops, alongside measures to manage hog production capacity and support healthier supply-demand balances. It also calls for consolidating support for beef cattle and dairy and promoting dairy consumption.

FARMLAND

China reiterated strict protection of arable land, tightening enforcement against illegal occupation and misuse and pressing ahead with high-standard farmland buildout, coupled with soil improvement measures. The document also promotes modernisation and upgrades of large and medium-sized irrigation districts to underpin long-term production capacity.

TRADE AND GOVERNANCE

The policy calls for better coordination between agricultural trade and domestic production, while promoting diversified imports, supporting internationally competitive agricultural enterprises and expanding exports of competitive specialty products. It also pledges tougher action against agricultural product smuggling and greater engagement in global food and agriculture governance. China was the world’s second-largest importer of agricultural products in 2025, with imports reaching $207.4 billion.

AGRI-TECH

Beijing placed fresh emphasis on agricultural modernisation through innovation, including faster progress on seed development and the industrialisation of biological breeding, plus wider development and use of high-end intelligent farm machinery—especially equipment suited to hilly and mountainous terrain. The document also explicitly encourages combining AI with agriculture and scaling applications for drones, IoT and robotics.