Project Scope and Relationship to China's Agenda 21

This project seeks to conduct research and development of agricultural technologies to be used for resource conservation, environmental protection and the reduction of public health hazards. The project is based on programme area 11E of China's Agenda 21, and is related to programme areas 9B, 11B, and 11F.

1. Background

Agriculture is the foundation of China's rural economy. Pests and diseases are an important constraint to agricultural production. Chemical pesticides are an important means of controlling these pests and diseases, but the undesired effects of chemical use are threats to human health and the environment. The need to increase production to keep pace with demand and to build up of resistance to pesticides in many pests and diseases has resulted in higher chemical use.

Since the 1980s, the demand for maintaining natural and ecological balance has become stronger and the production and application of some chemical pesticides which either persist in the environment or are toxic are prohibited or limited. Biological pesticides can offer safer alternatives to chemical varieties, particularly in developed countries. By the end of this century, biological pesticides are expected to replace some chemical pesticides, and the market share of biological pesticides is likely to increase significantly.

At present, China has fallen behind in development of biological pesticides. Major problems include: (a) lack of basic study and technological conditions; (b) lack of the fermentation and post-processing techniques; (c) shortage of varieties and preparation formulations; (d) relative low effective ingredient of the commercial products; (e) higher product cost to compete with chemical pesticides; and (f) unsatisfied inspection and monitoring systems.

"Green" foods or organically grown foods refer to those that are safe, environmentally sound, high quality, and nutritious. The development of "green" foods helps to protect the environment and to improve human health, while at the same time allowing environmentally sustainable economic development. The development of "green" foods in China is in its infant stages. The quantity and quality of products are far from meeting the demands of the market. The most urgent issue is to strengthen and establish supplies and quality monitoring systems. However, China is rich in agricultural resources and large areas cultivated by traditional farming systems which are not polluted by chemicals. Therefore, there is a great potential in China for developing non-polluting agriculture and "green" foods.

Currently work on "green" foods is carried out by the China "green" foods development centre and its corresponding organizations. Foods quality inspection networks have been established in each of China's 27 provinces. The research on biological pesticides has been considered an important national project in the seventh and eighth five year plans. As a result, eight inventive patents have obtained and nearly ten kinds of biological pesticides have been developed.

2. Objectives

• Long-term objectives
  • To develop safe and non-polluting biological pesticides and biological control techniques.

  • To reduce the dependence of agriculture on chemical pesticides.

  • To develop environmentally sound agricultural systems.

• Immediate objectives
  • To establish a policy coordinating agency for overall planning and coordination of research, development and extension of biological pesticides and to liaise with the "green" Foods Development Centre.

  • To research and develop non-polluting and natural biological insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, fruit and vegetable additives, including those improved by genetic engineering technology.

  • To research and establish a certification system for "Green" foods.

  • To establish 5 non-polluting experimental areas producing vegetables, fruits, drinks, teas, etc. The technical standards of production, processing, and storage of products and the production conditions should meet the state technical standards for "green" foods.

  • To establish a training and information service centre for raising public awareness and to train personnel engaged in the production of biological pesticides and "green" foods.

3. Activities

• 3.1 The following activities are planned for the coordination of research and development of biological pesticides:
  • Plan and identify the priorities and required resources for the projects;

  • Introduce advanced techniques and equipment, establish a research base with necessary facilities for the production of biological pesticides;

  • Establish a strain preservation centre for biological pesticides, and carry out regular strain screening and identification;

  • Establish facilities for production of biological pesticides;

  • Study and establish the quality inspection system of biological pesticides and accomplish quality standarlization of products;

  • Complete experiments for testing of biological pesticides.

    The implementing agency will be the Ministry of Agriculture in cooperation with other organizations concerned.

    The duration of activity 3.1 will be five years.

• 3.2 The following activities are planned for the coordination of research and development of "green" foods:
  • Comprehensively evaluate and supply the special production materials to produce "green" foods, including biological pesticides, fertilizers, additives and packing materials;

  • Develop the technical standards and control methods in various stages of production, processing, packing and storage of "green" foods;

  • Research and establish "green" foods label systems suitable for Chinese conditions. The systems should include the regulations and standards for product quality, the conditions and techniques for inspection and monitoring of products, regulations for authentication and registration of "green" foods, and simple and practical quick monitoring methods. These rules and regulations should be consistent with international standards.

    The implementing agency will be the Ministry of Agriculture in cooperation with other organizations concerned.

    The duration of activity 3.2 will be five years.

• 3.3 Establish comprehensive experimental areas of non-pollution agriculture which promotes synergy between traditional and modern techniques of "green" farming. Activities include:
  • Establish five farming experimental areas and carry out tests on the main factors such as air and soil quality, and application of fertilizers, pesticides, plastic film, and irrigation water. The technical standards should meet the demands for "green" foods production;

  • Carry out research on simple and practical management models of non-pollution agriculture in order to reduce energy consumption and increase biological yield per unit;

  • Research and formulate technical regulations for non-pollution agriculture with biological control as the main pest management approaches;

  • Develop and utilize various organic manure, "green" manure, and micro-biofertilizers to increase soil fertility. Reduce chemical fertilizer input by improving application techniques with the multiple-elements (e.g., N. P. K) formulations;

  • Research and formulate non-pollution technical regulations for the post harvest processing and packing, storage and transportation of products.

    The implementing agency will be the Ministry of Agriculture in cooperation with other organizations concerned.

    The duration of activity 3.3 will be five years.

• 3.4 The Training and Information Centre for biological pesticides and "green" foods will be established to provide information and training facilities. The emphasis will be on training personnel and providing educational materials for the public. Activities include:
  • Establishment of a national training centre of biological pesticides and "green" foods and the provision of technical and extension training;

  • Establishment of an information database of biological pesticides and "green" foods and the provision of information exchange services both internationally and domestically.

    The implementing agency will be the Ministry of Agriculture in cooperation with other organizations concerned.

    The duration of activity 3.4 will be three years.

• 4.1 Chinese Inputs
  • Management of project materials and transportation facilities for domestic specialists and other personnel concerned
  • The necessary equipment, factory buildings and land, etc. for research
  • Research and technical personnel
  • Systematic technical materials
  • The construction of attached projects

• 4.2 International Cooperation
  • The construction of the experimental areas
  • Major instruments and equipment for research
  • Technical support and cooperation
  • Technical consultation and training

5. Benefits

Development of biological pesticides will help reduce the use of chemical pesticides and will aid in the production of "green" foods. This will help reduce health hazards from the use of chemical pesticides while providing consumers with more choice and providing increased incomes for farmers. Increased public awareness will be another benefit from the project, thus increasing the demand for "green" foods.

The economic benefits will help boost incomes in the target areas and help develop domestic markets for "green" products as well as domestic manufacturing for biological pesticides. The environmental benefits will include manufacturing of low hazard biological pesticides which will reduce the risk of environmental damage during both the manufacturing process and application of the chemicals. "Green" foods will help to develop technologies that are environmentally sound. This would help shift agriculture towards more sustainable systems while still maintaining high production.