China: Industry Debates Forage Production and Imports at Conference

Presenters at the 2018 China Forage Conference noted that China is seeking to balance domestic forage production, imports and environmental protection goals, while also maintaining meat, poultry and dairy production. At this conference, and in subsequent public fora, policy makers have noted the government’s desire to produce more high quality forage instead of cereals (especially corn), which have not been sufficiently utilized by consumers or animal husbandry industries. Experts note that the domestic animal husbandry industry is expected to continue to need forage imports, especially alfalfa from the United States, due to its high quality and price competitiveness. Domestic forage production is constrained by traditional production methods, crop production located far from animal production areas, and governmental grassland protection and grazing regulations. Although additional tariffs and other technical barriers on U.S. forage products have lowered imports, U.S. alfalfa (and other forage products) is expected to remain an important component of rations for China’s animal and dairy industries.

China: Industry Debates Forage Production and Imports at Conference