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Agriculture green development in China: insights and advances |
Jianbo SHEN1, Qichao ZHU1, Yong HOU1, Wen-Feng CONG1, Wen XU1, Jiuliang XU1, Zhichao AN1, Xiaoqiang JIAO1, Kai ZHANG1, Tianxiang YU1, Lin MA2, Oene OENEMA3, William J. DAVIES4, Fusuo ZHANG1( ) |
1. State Key Laboratory of Nutrient Use and Management, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China 2. Key Laboratory of Agricultural Water Resources, Center for Agricultural Resources Research, Institute of Genetic and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shijiazhuang 050021, China 3. Wageningen Environmental Research, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, 6700 AA, the Netherlands 4. Lancaster Environment Centre, University of Lancaster, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK |
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Abstract ● Agriculture green development (AGD) has been undertaken in China for 5 years. ● New insights and advances on the four themes of AGD in China are elucidated. ● AGD involves interdisciplinary research innovation, multistakeholder participation, multi-objective realization and regional-specific technology implementation. ● Implementation of AGD in China will provide valuable experience paradigm for the world. Reconciling the tasks of producing adequate amounts of nutritious food for the increasing global population while preserving the environment and natural ecosystems simultaneously is an enormous challenge. The concept of agriculture green development (AGD) and the necessary governmental policies were developed to address the aforementioned challenge in China and to help achieve the related global sustainable development goals. Agriculture green development emphasizes the synergy between green and development; current agriculture has to transform from the intensive farming with high inputs, high environmental impacts and low resource-use efficiency to a more sustainable agriculture, in order to ensure an adequate supply of nutritious food while delivering environmental integrity, improved economic profitability, and social equity. A research program on AGD was established by China Agricultural University with four research themes, namely: green crop production, green integrated crop-animal production, green food and industry, and green ecological environment and ecosystem services, to provide a scientific basis for future developments and to facilitate the implementation of AGD in practice. AGD requires a multistakeholder approach, fueled by innovative and interdisciplinary research. Joint actions have to be taken by governments, farmers, supply industries, consumers, educators, extension services and researchers to support AGD. This requires strong coordination and public awareness campaigns. This review presents the progress that has been made over the past 5 years and makes recommendations for more research and development, in order to better deliver agricultural green and sustainable development on national and international scales.
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Keywords
Agriculture
ecosystem services
environmental protection
food security
green development
multi-sectoral cooperation
sustainable development
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Corresponding Author(s):
Fusuo ZHANG
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Just Accepted Date: 09 January 2024
Online First Date: 05 February 2024
Issue Date: 08 March 2024
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