On October 11, 2024, researchers at the World Agri-food Innovation Conference in Beijing revealed a significant shift in China's food consumption patterns, highlighting a decline in grain demand and a rising interest in protein-rich foods. This transformation underscores the urgent need to revamp China's agri-food system, which heavily relies on arable land.
The report indicates that in 2022, food sourced from crop fields accounted for 83.5 percent of China's total food consumption, while alternative sources like forest products and aquatic harvests contributed minimally. The researchers pointed out that unsustainable production methods and a reliance on imports, particularly soybeans, threaten the resilience of China's food supply.
By optimizing the use of forests, grasslands, and aquatic resources, the report suggests that China could conserve 6.5 million hectares of arable land and reduce carbon emissions by 180 million metric tons, a 19 percent decrease from current levels. The researchers advocate for the development of the alternative protein industry, which could reduce livestock and dairy production significantly by 2035.
Experts believe that this shift could lessen the demand for grains and soybean meal while contributing to environmental sustainability. Fan Shenggen, a lead author of the report, emphasized that China has the potential to lead global progress in alternative proteins, provided there is adequate public investment and regulatory support.
Bruce Friedrich, founder of the Good Food Institute, noted that the alternative protein sector could become a $1.1 trillion industry. The UN Foundation's Lasse Bruun added that China's transition could set a precedent for other nations, advocating for a more equitable and climate-safe approach to food production.
The findings are part of a broader initiative in China to explore novel protein sources beyond traditional crops, aligning with the country's recent policy declarations supporting innovative food production methods.