China’s grain production will be focused in the north

Significance The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said that the country’s 37 genetically modified (GM) corn varieties and 14 GM soybean varieties have passed preliminary examinations, a major advancement in bio-breeding that could increase yields by 10%. Impacts Despite progress towards food self-sufficiency, China will remain considerably import-reliant in the medium-to-long term. China’s grain supplies will diversify, with imports from countries such as Argentina, Australia, Kazakhstan and Russia. GM crops will remain a key driver of yield increases.