Organic agriculture development in China: Challenges and implications

Over the past 4 decades after the reform and opening up policy in 1978, rural and agricultural development in China has been highly successful. Currently, rural and agricultural development in China has switched from quantitative goal to dual quantitative and qualitative goals, which sought for the optimization of modes and practices of agricultural development, and organic agriculture is an alternative approach. By the end of 2016, organically managed farmland was 1.8 million hm², accounting 1.5% of total farmland in China. The production and sales values of organic agriculture were respectively 132.3 billion and 45.06 billion RMB. Organic agriculture has significant environmental, economic and social benefits, especially for nutrient recycles, empowerment of inner capacity of agro-ecosystem, enhancement of communication between farmers and consumers, revitalization of rural economy and creation of harmonious living environment. However, organic agriculture has also faced challenges of limited supply of nitrogen for crop production and difficulties for large-scale extension; all of which need to be fully addressed during the dissemination of organic agriculture. There is the need to develop and implement policies by the government (including ecological compensation) to guide the rational development of organic farming. Besides direct benefits, the most important implications and significances of organic agriculture are ecological intensification of conventional farming and introduction of principles, concepts and technologies of organic farming into conventional farming. This will help to promote healthy and sustainable rural and agricultural development in China.