Recognizing current shortfalls in the food processing industry, China is now introducing new intensive processing systems nationwide to cover the major items of farm produce. This is seen as an important technical provision of the 10th Five Year Plan.

The implementation of these developments is expected to solve the various technical problems that currently hold back the intensive processing of agricultural products.

The food processing industry is most directly affected. The first steps will involve the introduction of new technologies that will significantly enhance its innovative ability and competitive strength.

This initiative will improve processing capacity from current levels of 20-30 percent to some 40 percent of agricultural production. The ratio of processed production to total production (measured by value) will improve from say 0.4:1 to 0.7:1.

In addition, these technical measures will help open the door to a new generation of top brand names with potential for significant market share. They will facilitate innovation and pioneering applications of production line techniques. They will nurture the growth of enterprises in the field of intensive food processing and foster the development of the necessary scientific skills.

The focus will be on key technologies in the processing of soybean, maize, apples, vegetables and meat products. There will be an emphasis on quality control and monitoring capabilities.

(China.org.cn by Tang Fuchun, August 13, 2002)