China's "No. 1 central document" for 2026 offers a directional guidance for future modern agricultural development, which features enriched connotation, a more complete industrial system, and higher value-added products, said Zhu Weidong, deputy director of the Office of the Central Rural Work Leading Group on Wednesday.
China unveiled its "No. 1 central document" for 2026 on Tuesday, outlining plans to advance agricultural and rural modernization and to promote all-around rural revitalization.
As the first policy statement released by China's central authorities each year, the document is seen as an indicator of policy priorities.
"The meaning of agriculture has evolved with the times, with its multiple functions becoming more obvious and industrial boundaries expanding continuously. The development of sci-tech-driven, eco-friendly, quality-focused, and brand-oriented agriculture has emerged as a new trend. Meanwhile, the integrated development of primary, secondary and tertiary industries in rural areas continues to foster new industries and new business formats. Building agriculture into a modern large-scale industry does not mean that the larger the scale of its production and operation is, the better it would be. Instead, it emphasizes enriching the connotation of agriculture, establishing a more complete industrial system, and producing goods with higher added value," said Zhu, also also deputy director of the Office of the Central Financial and Economic Affairs Commission, at a press conference in Beijing.
To realize this vision, Zhu made further elaboration from three aspects.
"This can be construed from three aspects. First, it involves simultaneous development of farming, forestry, animal husbandry and fisheries. Agriculture is not only about growing and harvesting grain, but also about promoting establishment of a diversified food supply system. Second, it requires integration of production and sales. The focus must extend beyond production to include post-production development, so as to enhance agricultural quality and efficiency. And third, it focuses on fusion of agriculture with culture and tourism. To meet the changing consumption demands of urban and rural residents, it is essential to upgrade rural tourism and develop 'small yet beautiful' cultural and tourism formats to promote rural economic prosperity," he said.
China's No. 1 central document for 2026 offers guidance for modern agricultural development: official
