Due to its well-preserved ecological environment, Heilongjiang Province is an ideal place for developing ecological-friendly agriculture.
By the end of 2004, the organic food (or green food) growing area in the province had reached 1.59 million hectares, according to statistics.
Focusing on developing a modern agriculture base, local authorities are speeding up optimizing and upgrading the industrial structure in an all-round way, seeking to sharpen the competitive edge of local agriculture.
They help raise funds through multiple channels, promoting agricultural investment especially in the processing of farm products.
Local agricultural companies are encouraged to import advanced technologies and expand their overseas market shares.
Over years of development, the province's green food industry has emerged as an industry with huge potential in the economic layout of the province.
Figures show that the total production of green food in the province stands at 11.1 million tons, generating an output value of 32.7 billion yuan (US$4 billion), eight times more than 1999.
The output of processed green food in the province is 4.68 million tons, with a total output value of 13.2 billion yuan (US$1.65 billion), respectively increasing 5.8 times and 10.9 times compared to 1999.
At present, the number of agricultural companies with output values exceeding 100 million yuan (US$12.5 million) each has risen to 36.
Among them, five companies have an annual output value of more than 1 billion yuan (US$125 million) each.
In addition, authorities have promoted co-operation with large foreign enterprise groups, hoping to quickly extend the industrial chain and scale of the local agriculture sector.
According to a blueprint for the province's agricultural development, a modern food production system and a food safety inspection and detection system will be established.
In 2010, the largest fresh milk production base in the country will be set up in the province, with an expected annual output of fresh milk exceeding 10 million tons.
By then, the incremental value of the food industry will reach 34 billion yuan (US$4.25 billion) at an average annual growth rate of 16 per cent.
Output of processed green food will reach 8 million tons at an average annual growth rate of 10 per cent. |
