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Abstract: Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis, is an important freshwater cultured crab in China with an annual production of approximately 800,000 m.t. and a value of 5 billion US dollars in 2014. The germplasm admixture and degeneration of E. sinensis are the most critical factors that restrict its aquaculture industry. Thus, genetic improvement programs of E. sinensis were initiated in 2000. The Ministry of Agriculture of China approved five selected varieties of E. sinensis, which are currently cultured throughout China and cover nearly 10% of the total yield of E. sinensis. The aquaculture status, genetic improvement practices, and achievement in E. sinensis aquaculture in China during the past 15 yr are summarized in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The kernel parameters setting of SVM influences prediction precision. The hybrid model based on SVM for regression and improved differential evolution is proposed to enhance the prediction precision. The improved differential evolution is used to optimize the kernel parameters. The improved differential evolution algorithm employs two trial vector generation strategies and two control parameter settings. The first-generation strategy is with best solution, and the second strategy is without best solution. Three categories of disasters time series including flood, drought and storm from Ministry of agriculture of China are used to verify the validity of the proposed model. Compared with the grid SVM and other models, the proposed hybrid model improves the prediction precision of SVM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than 30 million tons of kitchen wastes (KW) are produced in China every year. Approximately 80% of the collected KW has been directly utilized as feedstuff in pig farms in China, which is facing strict restrictions by China's Ministry of Agriculture due to concerns of foot and mouth disease, and raw materials for illegal extraction of hogwash oil, which is unsanitary and can cause serious illness. In addition, the universal concern on environmental protection, resource utilization and food safety has brought increasing research on KW processing technology. According to the policy perspective on promoting the recycling application and resource saving of KW, developing resource-saving and environment-friendly society as well as circular economy and protecting the ecological environment in both China (FAGAIHUANZI [2010] No. 1020) and other countries, it is required especially in China that the construction of pilot projects should be conducted overall planning and combinational optimization to enhance resource-oriented utilization and harmless treatment of three phases in KW, including oil, solid and liquid phase (FAGAIHUANZI [2010] No. 1020). Because of policy encouragement, environmental concern and economic incentives by local and central governments in China, more diverse methods after thermal pretreatment should be developed as the amount of KW production increases rapidly. Besides, basing on the increasing universal concern on safety, energy and environmental preservation, finding proper disposal methods of KW for energy production, enhancing biogas production and reducing the amount of final residue is extremely important. In this regard, this paper aims at a comprehensive study on current treatment situations of KW in China and suggests several solutions to China's KW treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2012 the Ministry of Agriculture of China launched a project exploring Nationally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (China-NIAHS). Through two rounds of applications and selection in 2012 and 2013, 39 traditional agricultural systems were selected and designated as China-NIAHS, including 19 forestry systems, 14 planting systems, four agricultural complex systems and two other systems. From a system origin perspective there were 24 agricultural systems, some dating back 1000 years. Twenty heritage systems are located in areas inhabited by ethnic minorities. Agricultural heritage systems face general challenges, such as ecosystem degradation and destruction, loss and abandonment of traditional agricultural technologies and landscapes, lagging agriculture scale and industrialization, and limited farmer benefit-sharing and incentives. Compared to other types of heritage, the conservation and development of agricultural heritage systems is more complex and difficult. In order to achieve sustainable development of agricultural heritage systems, the government should play a leading role and improve financial support functions. Local people should also explore market-oriented approaches and adaptive management methods on protection and development of NIAHS. Multi-participation and benefit-sharing mechanisms should be established and basic research needs to be strengthened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on political instability and administrative law reform in China during the 1990s and 2000s and discusses the China Ministry of Agriculture's regulation of local collection of taxes and fees from peasants to ease tax burden on them. It reflects on the perspective of the China Supreme Court regarding tax burden applied on peasants.

The purpose of this study is to empirically examine the impact of health on the off-farm income of China's migrant workers by the Heckman model. The dataset collected from the Research Center for Rural Economy, the Ministry of Agriculture of China between 2003 and 2007 was used in this paper. The results of both qualitative and quantitative analysis show that the health of flowing workers significantly influences their off-farm income. Flowing workers associated with a poor health condition earn less than those who are of good health, and the off-farm income gap due to the health condition widens year by year. In addition, poor health negatively impacts the off-farm participant decision for the China's rural residents. Therefore, more attention should be given to the health investment of migrant workers so as to improve their health and increase their off-farm income. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report comprises the workshop proceedings and the strategy for regional cooperation that was developed by the participants; the latter was the principal output of the workshop. The major inputs to the discussions to craft the strategy were the country reports that described their priorities in five areas, namely research and technology development, manpower development, extension and information, management and policy; and their own assessment of their weaknesses and strengths in these areas. The deliberations on regional priorities and technical areas for cooperation and potential co-operators in each area were informed by presentations from institutions, projects and agencies that are working or have associations with either or both the Central Asia and Caucasus regions. A significant result of this process is a matrix that matches potential co-operators (provider country or institution) and hosts (recipient country) for various and specific capacity building needs, which were identified as common regional or subregional priorities. To start the programme, the workshop recommended seven activities that need to be initiated as soon as possible, as follows: (1) development of regional projects, organization of training/workshops, and capacity development on feed production and management on a pilot scale; (2) provision of technologies and equipment for the development and production of specialized fish feeds for different species from local raw materials; (3) training workshop on project development designed to improve project development skills by actually formulating projects that are based on the identified priorities; (3) an action plan for the upgrading of national laboratories in order to comply with international standards for certification of fish and fish products; (4) workshop on harmonization of institutional management structure and legislation in fisheries and aquaculture in accordance with international fisheries and aquaculture laws/policy for responsible fisheries and aquaculture; (5) development of an action plan to identify activities for sharing and providing broodstock and seed material that are of high genetic quality, complemented by training on broodstock management; (6) programmes for increasing and conserving endemic fish stocks in inland water reservoirs; and (7) establishing a working group linked to the TAC (Technical Advisory Committee) of CACFish (Central Asian and Caucasus Regional Commission on Fisheries), to support the follow-up of the scoping workshop recommendations and immediate action plans. This set of recommendations was addressed to the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and China but should also involve concerned government institutions, technical experts of governments and regional institutions in certain areas, and the CACFish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case study is presented which examines the Chinese government's policy of providing direct subsidies to rural farmers, referred to as the sannong, or three rurals, initiative. Particular attention is given to the aims of the program, which focus on reducing income inequality in rural areas and on providing financial incentives for poor farmers. Statistics from the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) and Ministry of Finance (MOF) are explored.

He, J., Tang, S., Li, L., Zhang, C., Li, X., Xia, X., Xiao, X. Pharmacokinetics of a novel amoxicillin/colistin suspension after intramuscular administration in pigs. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. , 42-50. An amoxicillin (AMO) or colistin (COS) oil suspension was developed and corresponding pharmacokinetics studies were conducted in pigs after i.m. injection. The combination product is a white- to cream-colored oil suspension which is easy to be re-dispersed. Settling volume ratio, syringeability and flowability of the product is well consistent with the technical standards set by the Ministry of Agriculture of People's Republic of China. Two studies were conducted to investigate the pharmacokinetics of the combination product in swine. First, the pharmacokinetics of the combination product was compared with those of the same products merely removing either AMO or COS. No significant change in the major pharmacokinetic parameters ( C, T, MRT, t, AUC and AUMC) was observed when either component was removed from the combination product, indicating that AMO and COS do not interfere with each other in their absorption and distribution in the tissue when used as a combination. Second, the pharmacokinetics of the combination product was compared with that of their respective single products. It was found that the apparent elimination half-lives ( t) of AMO and COS in combination product were 6.38 and 8.09 h, which were 2.40 and 2.38 times longer than the single products, respectively. Thus, the novel AMO/COS suspension extended significantly the half-life of both drugs to maintain a longer drug residence time in pigs when compared to their single products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To meet the growing demand for rice production, the Ministry of Agriculture, P. R. China initiated a nationwide project on the development of super rice in 1996. Through efforts in research, super rice breeding in China has gained significant advances in the aspects of breeding theories, creation of breeding materials and selection and promotion of elite rice varieties. A creative super rice breeding path of the construction of harmonious plant type combined with the utilization of heterosis was proposed. Super rice plays more and more important roles in rice production. Totally, 71 super rice varieties in China have been successfully developed and released to production. These varieties have 12 t/hm2 yield potential in on-farm demonstration fields, 8% to 15% higher than the check varieties with high resistance to pest and medium to high level of grain quality, the total growing area of which has reached 23.7 million hectares, and rice grain production increased by 17.7 million tons from 1996 to 2009. This paper reviewed the development and achievements of super rice breeding in aspects of the breeding methodology and breeding practices, summarized the successful experience of super rice breeding in China and proposed the developmental strategies of super rice for the future. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Conservation tillage (CT) has been recognized as an advanced agricultural technology that may reduce drought and improve the physical condition of soils worldwide. An increase in water infiltration and a reduction in water and wind erosion can be achieved through the use of no-tillage, minimum tillage, and residue cover. In China, CT research started with support from the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), China and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research in 1992. By the end of 1990s, CT research had expanded across China and achieved several important results. In 1999, MOA established the Conservation Tillage Research Centre (CTRC) to lead the national CT research programs in China, and since 2002 some CT demonstration projects have been established in northern China. By the end of 2008, CT has been demonstrated in 226 national and 365 provincial demonstration counties, covering more than 3 Mha. The CTRC of the MOA has established 10 sites within those counties to monitor project results. Some sites have shown consistently that the use of CT resulted in higher yields and net incomes, reduced soil erosion, and improved soil conditions. CT has been widely accepted in China and will be further adopted over wider areas as the development and highbred of indigenous no-tillage seeders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Over consumption of copper (Cu) from food and beverages is detrimental to human health. In this study, we investigated Cu accumulation in tea leaves produced in Yuyao County in China. Copper concentrations in all tea leaves sampled from tea gardens were below 60mgkg−1, the permissible level given by the Chinese Ministry of Health; however, 15% of the samples were over 15mgkg−1, the allowable level of ‘green food’ as defined by the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture. These observations indicate that Cu concentrations in tea leaves from the investigated producing areas are acceptable, but still a concern. To understand what factors affect the Cu accumulation in the tea leaves, we further analyzed soils from the tea gardens for Cu availability, pH and organic matter content. The Cu availability in soil was found to be closely correlated with the soil’s H+ activity, followed by organic matter content. The soils in the tea gardens were also found to be severely acidic with the lowest pH of 3.58. The tea garden soils, if fertilized with animal manure, could also contribute to the risk of Cu contamination. Additionally, Cu concentrations in the final products of tea leaves were greatly increased by the machinery processing in factories that used copper boards at the twisting stage. In one factory, the Cu level was increased by 32.1mgkg−1. This study suggests that both edaphic and non-edaphic factors can contribute to the final Cu accumulation in tea leaves used by consumers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article outlines regulations on strengthening quality and safety work at food-processing enterprises to prevent severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) declared by the Bureau of Township Enterprises of the Ministry of Agriculture in China in April 2003. It states that administrative departments of agriculture must fully recognize the extreme importance of intensifying the work of food quality and safety. The rules require thorough investigation into accidents that take place in food quality safety.

The article presents a paper on the requirements for intensifying the work of preventing and treating severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) at township enterprises in China issued by the Ministry of Agriculture in April 2003. It stresses the significance of adopting effective measures to prevent and treat the disease among township enterprise employees. The need for such enterprises to establish epidemic prevention and monitoring mechanisms at public venues under their jurisdiction is also noted.

The article reports that China’s Ministry of Agriculture has decided not to allow studies of genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) and will not renew biosafety certificates that had allowed research groups to grow strains of GM rice and corn, which expired on August 17, 2014.

The article reports on the institutional reforms approved by the Chinese National People's Congress on March 14,2013. It states that a new China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) will be instituted that will focus on the supervision of catering businesses, food production, and food distribution. It mentions that Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) will supervise pig slaughtering which was formerly managed by the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM)

The article reports on the protests met by issuance of biosafety certificates for genetically modified (GM) rice and maize by the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture in November 2009. Over a hundred intellectuals and prominent public officials challenged China's policy for the adoption of transgenic crops. Chinese scholars petitioned the Ministry of Agriculture to withdraw the two safety licenses issued. Proponents of the technology believe that it will address the country's growing demand for food while opponents argue that GM crops have an impact on human and environmental health. It notes that despite increasing resistance to cultivation of GM crops, commercialization of GM rice will continue.

The article reports on the issue of implementing of the recovery programme for the Yangtze River dolphin or baiji Lipotes vexillifer. It states that the factors responsible for the species' decline are still at work and may be increasing, and establishment of an ex situ breeding population under semi-natural conditions is regarded as an essential short-term goal for the continued survival of the species. However, although the baiji recovery programme has been recommended by numerous scientists and policy makers for two decades, and is endorsed by the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture, it has yet to be implemented or even fully planned.

This section offers news briefs on botany. China's Ministry of Agriculture did not renew biosafety certificates that allowed the growth of 2 varieties of genetically modified (GM) crops giving speculation on the country's attitude towards GM crops. Journals are being called on to give alternative versions of images accessible to people with colour blindness. Leafsnap Great Britain should allow the correct identification of 156 potential Great Britain tree species from images of their leaves.

The article discusses the response of the Chinese government to the emergence of a novel virus, called H7N9. The author notes that China's willingness to share disease-related information has increased following criticism of its handling of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic in the early 2000s and discusses the reluctance of China's Ministry of Agriculture to share information related to H7N9's animal origins with foreign laboratories.

The article reports on the approval of a strain of genetically engineered rice by officials of China's Ministry of Agriculture making the country the first in the world to produce biotechnology rice on a commercial scale. Safety certificates for the rice have been issued by the ministry but commercialization of the rice will begin after additional production trials are completed. The rice was developed by scientists at Huazhong Agricultural University in Wuhan, China.

The article reports that diagnostic reagents are being developed by the Chinese government to tests A/H1N1flu virus in pigs. It states that China's Ministry of Agriculture organizes a group of medical experts to develop diagnostic reagents soon after the outbreak of the pandemic which is according to the ministry will serve as a reference in the development of vaccines for humans. It also states the appeal of the ministry on local branches to prepare emergency materials against the influenza.

The article reports on a World Health Organization (WHO) statement regarding a new strain of H5N1 bird influenza virus being sequestered by China. The WHO says that the country is hindering its efforts to track the disease. Julie Hall of the WHO in Beijing fears that the efforts of the organization is being undermined by the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture because they have not sent any bird influenza virus samples since 2004.

The article reports that the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture has allowed international scientists to analyze the samples of H5N1 avian influenza, collected from poultry during 2004 and 2005. In the first week of November 2006, the samples were sent to a U.S. laboratory, associated with the World Health Organization. Recently, a research paper published in the journal "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences," speculated about a new strain of H5N1. And China was being criticized for not cooperating with international health organizations.

This article reports that the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture sharply criticized a paper published online by the periodical "Nature," last week suggesting that an outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza among wild birds in northwest China originated from apparently unreported outbreaks among poultry in southern China. The researchers defend their results and worry that the ministry's reaction may lead to overly strict enforcement of new guidelines on handling the H5N1 virus. The brief report by Honglin Chen of Shantou University Medical College and colleagues there and at the University of Hong Kong and other institutions, posted on July 6, claims that the virus recovered from wild birds at Qinghai Lake is a genetic match to one found among poultry earlier this year at a live market in China's Guangdong Province. The following day, China's official Xinhua News Agency quoted Jia Youling, director general of the Agriculture Ministry's Veterinary Bureau, questioning the article's credibility because H5N1 has not been reported in Guangdong this year.