March 21 was observed as the International Day of Forests, with this year’s theme emphasizing the vital role forests play in food production.
In 2024, China’s forest food production surpassed 200 million tonnes, making it the country’s third-largest agricultural sector after grain and vegetables, according to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration.
Forests contribute not only to environmental sustainability but also to food security by providing a variety of products such as nuts, fruits, oils, mushrooms, herbs, and even livestock raised under forest cover. China has been actively developing this sector by expanding economic forests and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in woodland areas.
Over the past decade, the Chinese government has implemented policies to support forest food production, including national guidelines for understory farming and strategic plans for key crops like oil tea and hazelnuts. Additionally, in 2024, an updated Ecological Product Catalogue was introduced to enhance resource management.
As a result of these initiatives, China’s forestry sector achieved a total output value exceeding 10 trillion yuan (approximately $1.4 trillion) in 2024, reflecting a 9.6 percent growth compared to 2023.
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