Original title: Han Changfu: I Am Also Eating Genetically Modified Soybean Oil
At a press conference held at the Information Center of the two associations on the 6th, Minister of Agriculture Han Changfu addressed questions raised by Chinese and foreign reporters, covering key public concerns such as food security, land circulation, "safety at the tip of the tongue," genetically modified foods, and agricultural subsidies. His responses provided clarity on several critical issues facing China's agriculture sector.
**Food Security**
Han emphasized that China's approach to food security is firm and unwavering. He stated that the "rice bowl" of the Chinese people must remain in their own hands, with a focus on self-sufficiency in food production. While grain imports have increased in recent years, they remain relatively small—around 13 million tons last year. He explained that China is making use of the international market due to growing domestic demand and limited resources, but the country still relies primarily on its own production.
Confidence in food security, he said, comes from three pillars: policy support, technological advancement, and infrastructure development, along with the protection of arable land.
**Land Circulation**
Han warned against a "Great Leap Forward" in rural land circulation, stressing that it should be managed in an orderly and reasonable manner. He pointed out that some local governments have imposed unrealistic targets, leading to dissatisfaction among farmers.
He clarified that land circulation should be based on local conditions, including the availability of labor, the number of people moving out of rural areas, and the level of technical equipment and socialized services. The process should be voluntary, legal, and paid, with farmers retaining the final say on terms and duration.
**Agricultural Subsidies**
The Ministry of Agriculture will continue to increase subsidies, with a focus on professional farmers and new types of agricultural operations. Han explained that subsidies should target those who grow grain, emphasizing the idea of "stabilizing stocks and adjusting increments."
He noted that China has been increasing agricultural subsidies, with direct support exceeding 160 billion yuan last year. This aligns with global practices and reflects the government’s commitment to supporting farmers and agriculture.
**Genetically Modified Foods**
When asked if he personally consumes genetically modified foods, Han responded honestly: “I am also eating soybean oil processed with genetically modified ingredients.†He reiterated that the Ministry of Agriculture maintains a cautious stance on genetic modification, advocating for active research and independent innovation while ensuring safety.
China has established a comprehensive regulatory system covering all stages of genetically modified organisms, from research and testing to import licensing and product labeling. The application of GM technology follows a phased approach, starting with non-edible crops, then feed and processed raw materials, and finally staple food crops, with extra caution applied to the latter.
**Food Safety**
Han acknowledged that food safety remains a concern, stating that even a 1% problem requires 100% effort. The government is working to improve safety through large-scale standardized farming, stricter law enforcement, and enhanced supervision. Measures such as cracking down on harmful substances like "lean meat essence" and promoting mechanical milking have already shown results.
In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture has launched pilot projects to address soil heavy metal pollution, conducting surveys and identifying areas of severe, moderate, and mild contamination. These efforts aim to ensure safer agricultural products for consumers.
**Avian Influenza**
Han expressed concern over the challenges faced by the poultry industry due to avian influenza. He mentioned that the government is preparing supportive policies for poultry farms and processing enterprises.
He also urged the media to help reduce public fear by educating people that chickens are not infected with bird flu and that poultry purchased through normal channels and certified by veterinarians is safe to eat.
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