By Xiao Junyan, Research Department of Rural Economy, DRC

Research Report No.68, 2016 (Total 4951) 2016-5-25

Abstract: At present, the policy system for cultivating new professional farmers at national level has not yet formed. Based on the strategic goal and professional requirements relating to China’s agricultural management mode, the policy framework for cultivating new professional farmers is composed of “one network and three securities”, namely we need to build an economic security network for farmers, provide security for agricultural production and management, provide income and living security for farmers, and provide social welfare security for farmers. During the whole process from agricultural production and management to the retirement of farmers, the government should provide necessary conditions to ensure that farmers can conduct an effective and sustainable agricultural production and management with appropriate economic income and social welfare facilities. It should also provide necessary conditions to improve the production capacity of some capable farmers. It is hoped that through such policy measures, 10 million to 15 million agricultural producers with an average management scale of more than 100 mu of farmland (15 mu make one hectare) each could emerge in the next 10 to 20 years. Consequently, about 1/2 to 3/4 of the total cultivated land could turn out stable, efficient and high yields. Therefore, it is important for the government to accurately determine the support objects and the key areas for policy implementation, and to formulate relevant policies and improve sector collaboration as well as the coordination between the central government and local governments.

Key words: new professional farmers, policy framework, one network and three securities