On 23 February 2025, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council jointly released the No. 1 Document, outlining the priorities for comprehensively promoting rural revitalization this year. The full title of the document is “Opinions of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council on further deepening rural reform and solidly promoting the comprehensive revitalization of rural areas”. This year’s document includes six major sections and 30 sub-sections, emphasizing rural revitalization through deepening rural reforms while ensuring food security.
Following the release, the State Council’s press conference and Chinese official media outlets summarized the key points of the document under several themes. The “Two Continuations” highlight the ongoing efforts to increase grain production and ensure a steady supply, along with consolidating the successes of poverty alleviation initiatives. The “Four Focuses” target the expansion of county-level industries that enrich rural communities, promote rural development, improve governance systems in rural areas, and enhance mechanisms for resource allocation. Additionally, the “Three Increases” refer to raising agricultural efficiency, boosting rural vitality, and increasing farmers’ income.
Chinese media outlets also underscored the importance of developing “new quality productive forces” through science and technology innovation, particularly in fields like artificial intelligence, digital and biotechnologies. Notably, this year’s document places stronger emphasis on improving and strengthening social welfare services in rural areas, such as health insurance, pensions, and vocational education.
International reactions to the document have been mixed. The South China Morning Post (SCMP) highlighted how potential rural reforms could impact the real estate sector, particularly concerning restrictions on the sale of rural homes to urban residents. Reuters expressed concerns about the implications of the focus on self-sufficiency for agriculture and food trade.
The document’s release comes against the backdrop of a slowing Chinese economy, the government’s renewed focus on rural revitalization and rural-urban integration, as well as escalating global trade and geopolitical tensions. Here are the major highlights of the document.
Food security
There are plans to improve crop yields, particularly staple crops, and enhance the production of high-efficiency grains and oilseeds. Efforts will include expanding the scope of grain production, using integrated technology to increase yields, and boosting the production of soybeans and other oil crops. Policies will include stabilizing crop prices, ensuring subsidies, and expanding insurance coverage for major crops like wheat and corn. There will also be incentives for farmers to grow grains through loan programs and price guarantees.
The government will streamline the process for food collection and reserves management to maintain stable supply chains. The document also outlines plans to intensify efforts to increase grain production by an additional 50 million tons. In 2024, China’s total grain production reached 706.5 million tons, surpassing the previous target of 650 million tons. The minimum price policy for rice and wheat will continue, while subsidies for corn and soybeans will be enhanced.
Furthermore, the document calls for reducing agricultural insurance costs for counties and local authorities while improving the insurance system for rice, wheat, corn, and soybeans. It also emphasizes significant support for oilseed experimental fields through loans.
Meat and animal sector
The document also supports stable development in pig farming, while ensuring steady growth in the beef and dairy sectors. It calls for strict monitoring of sanitation practices in animal slaughter and the prevention of animal-borne diseases.
Building a diversified food system
Applying the “big food” concept, a new food supply strategy will be pursued which incorporates alternative food sources like aquatic farming, fungi, and “forest food reserves”. This effort will involve strengthening emergency food supply capabilities and improving urban agriculture infrastructure. There will also be an emphasis on sustainable food practices, such as reducing food waste and promoting healthy diets. Investment in food security and food safety will be expanded.
Soil protection
The government will regulate land usage to ensure the preservation and proper management of farmland. This includes limiting the conversion of arable land for non-agricultural purposes and reinforcing environmental protection in rural areas. Efforts will also focus on enhancing farming conditions, such as improving farmland and preventing soil erosion. High-quality farmland construction and the restoration of land abandoned due to erosion are also key priorities. Reducing soil erosion in the black soil regions of Northeast China and soil acidification in southern China will be top priority.
Rural revitalization and development through industry
There will be a focus on developing rural industries with strong market potential, such as green and specialized agricultural products. Larger counties with prosperous industries will receive priority. The document encourages agricultural branding and the integration of culture and tourism through e-commerce and livestreaming to modernize the rural economy.
Promoting agricultural science and technology
The government aims to lead with innovation in agricultural technology, developing new farming techniques suited to various regions. Key technological breakthroughs are necessary to tackle challenges such as seed variety improvements, with investments directed toward the “Nanfan Silicon Valley” seed and breeding research center. Priority will be given to investments in machinery, intelligent farming, and high-tech equipment that enhance productivity. The document calls for increased government support for frontier technologies, including digital agriculture, artificial intelligence, and low altitude (drone) technologies.
Prevention of large-scale return to poverty
Preventing a large-scale return to poverty remains a priority, with an emphasis on ensuring stable conditions for farmers through effective monitoring and assistance. Special focus will be given to generating employment and maintaining stable income sources for those at risk of poverty.
Expanding rural income channels
Multiple strategies will be explored to increase farmers’ incomes, including expanding employment opportunities and diversifying rural enterprises. A combination of urban-rural economic strategies will improve farmers’ access to labor markets and better wages. There will be efforts to modernize agricultural infrastructure and ensure better resource distribution, with specific programs supporting older farmers and promoting employment stability. Income growth will also be fostered by developing new agricultural sectors.
Improving rural infrastructure
Efforts to enhance rural infrastructure will include improving transportation, utilities, and digital services. Investments in road systems, energy supplies, and communication networks will facilitate better access to markets and services. Initiatives will focus on rural electrification, broadband, and transport networks to align with urban standards, along with improving water, sewage, and waste management to boost rural health and living conditions. The long-term objective is comprehensive rural modernization.
Boosting rural public services
The provision of education, healthcare, and social services will be enhanced in rural areas. Investments in local schools and clinics will improve educational and health services, while measures will be implemented to enhance the welfare of rural citizens. The government will streamline social security programs and expand services to ensure equitable access, with special attention given to the elderly, children, and vulnerable groups. Access to quality healthcare and education will be prioritized across all rural regions.
Environmental governance in rural areas
Efforts will focus on combating agricultural pollution and improving rural living environments. Sustainable farming practices, waste management, and land rehabilitation will be prioritized. There will be targeted policies to protect local ecosystems, enhance water quality, and improve biodiversity. The government will strengthen forest protection and support eco-friendly farming practices. Integrated rural ecological conservation projects will be rolled out.
Rural land and resource management
Rural land-use policies will focus on sustainable development and stable land tenure. Rural land reform will ensure equitable distribution of land for farming and community use. The document also proposes the promotion of experimental areas for a second round of household responsibility contracts, extending them for another 30 years. Additionally, it calls for better management and promotion of land use rights transfers.
Sources
State Council of the People’s Republic of China. (2025, February 23). 中共中央 国务院关于进一步深化农村改革 扎实推进乡村全面振兴的意见 [Opinions of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council on further deepening rural reform and solidly promoting the comprehensive revitalization of rural areas.] Retrieved from https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/202502/content_7005158.htm.
CCTV News. (2025, February 23). 中央一号文件发布 有何新亮点？[Central Document No. 1 released: what are the key highlights?]. Retrieved from https://content-static.cctvnews.cctv.com/snow-book/index.html?item_id=10298613337645522276.
South China Morning Post. (2025, February 24). China hits brakes on rural land reform in major policy release. Retrieved from https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3299911/china-hits-brakes-rural-land-reform-major-policy-release.
Reuters. (2025, February 24). China’s food demand expanding, production needs to be strengthened, official says. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinas-food-demand-expanding-production-needs-be-strengthened-official-says-2025-02-24/.
