Session II, Part 1: Capital Investment: Promoting Agricultural Industrialization and Economies of Scale

Imports of key agricultural products in China have been rising as a share of domestic consumption, suggesting a structural shift and highlighting concerns over food security. Meanwhile, more and more industrial giants from the real estate, FMCG, and food sectors are showing interest in investing in agriculture. These capital inflows have revived an agricultural industry that used to be disadvantaged by backwardness and inefficiency. This session will explore the possible impact of market orientation on agricultural reforms, with a major focus on the transition from small-scale operations to large-scale intensive farming.