China's dedication to sustainable forestry has yielded impressive results in 2023. According to data from the National Forestry and Grassland Administration (NFGA), the nation's forest food output reached a staggering 226 million tonnes.
With a per capita output of approximately 130 kilograms, China leads the world in forest-based food production. This milestone not only underscores the country's commitment to environmental stewardship but also highlights the significant role forests play in enhancing food security.
The total value of China's forest food output is estimated to have surpassed 2.2 trillion yuan (about $310 billion) in 2023. Forest food encompasses a variety of products, including edible fruits, flowers, leaves, and branches, all harvested sustainably from the nation's abundant woodland areas.
China boasts over 3.4 billion mu (226.7 million hectares) of forests and is home to more than 8,000 species of woody plants. These forests are rich in food resources, providing immense potential for further food production. Gao Junkai, an official from the NFGA, emphasized the critical role forests play in boosting food production, stating, \"Developing economic forests and the under-forest economy, along with harvesting foods from forest resources, are key measures to enhance China's food supply capacity, diversify food sources, and improve the quality of people's lives.\"
Currently, around 124 million individuals are involved in economic forestry and the under-forest economy across the country, representing about a quarter of China's rural population. This engagement not only supports livelihoods but also contributes to building a diversified and resilient food supply system.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
