China’s forest food output has soared to an impressive 226 million tonnes in 2023, solidifying its position as a global leader in forest-based food production, according to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration (NFGA). With a per capita output of approximately 130 kilograms, China is at the forefront of utilizing forest resources to bolster its food supply.
The total output value of forest foods is estimated to surpass 2.2 trillion yuan (about $310 billion) this year, reflecting the immense economic potential of this sector. Forest foods encompass a wide variety of products harvested from forests or woodlands, including edible fruits, flowers, leaves, and branches. These resources not only contribute to food security but also play a significant role in diversifying China’s food sources.
China’s vast forested areas, covering over 3.4 billion mu (226.7 million hectares), house 8,000 kinds of woody plants, offering rich and diverse food resources. “Forests play a crucial role in boosting food production. China has immense potential for harvesting food from forests,” said Gao Junkai, an official from the NFGA.
Gao emphasized the importance of developing economic forests and under-forest economies: “Utilizing forest resources for food is a key measure to enhance China’s food supply capacity, diversify food sources, and improve the quality of people’s lives. It is also an important part of building a diversified food supply system.”
Currently, about 124 million individuals are engaged in economic forests and under-forest economies nationwide, accounting for nearly a quarter of China’s rural population. This not only boosts rural employment but also contributes significantly to rural revitalization and poverty alleviation efforts.
As China continues to invest in sustainable forestry practices, the forest food industry is poised for further growth, promising economic benefits and contributing to global food security.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
