China: Agriculture Key Component of Bio-economy Five-Year Plan

On May 10, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) issued the “14th Five-Year Plan for Bioeconomic Development,” with the intention to accelerate breakthroughs and achieve scientific and technological self-reliance in four key areas of bioeconomic development, including bio-agriculture and bioenergy. The plan promotes pilot programs for biodiesel and bio-jet fuel and aligns with recent People’s Republic of China (PRC) measures to advance cultivation of locally developed genetically engineered (GE) food crops, including corn and soybeans. This report provides an unofficial translation of select portions of the plan.