China’s agriculture plan: What is it? Is it meat-free?

For the first time ever, China’s five years agricultural plan is aiming towards cultivating meat and other future foods. What does it mean for the biggest consumer of eggs and meat in the world?

What is China’s five-year agricultural plan?

On January 26, China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs unveiled its new agricultural plan. The move set a buzz in the lab-grown meat industry as the plan includes cultivated meat and ‘future foods’ such as plant-based eggs on its blueprint. Cultivated meat is created using stem cells that are fed with a nutrient-rich broth. This can help in replacing labs in place of slaughterhouses and farms. Last year, Singapore became the only nation to approve the sale of lab-grown meat. China’s new policy is set to change things. However, mass production of lab-grown meat is not an easy feat.

“China is the largest consumer of eggs and meat in the world, so incorporating plant-based eggs and cultivated meat into the country’s five-year plan is a significant indicator of what’s to come,” stated Josh Tetrick. Tetrick is the CEO of Eat Just Inc, a food-tech firm selling plant-based eggs in China. The firm also sells cell-cultivated chicken in Singapore. “This nationwide strategic initiative could accelerate the country’s regulatory timeline for cultivated meat, drive more research and investment into the alternative protein industry, and fuel broader consumer acceptance of these products,” he added.

Acceptance of lab-grown meat

According to the World Resources Institute, the global demand for meat can double by mid-century. And, as food security is a growing concern for China and its 1.4 billion population, the new agricultural plan is a good move. In 2014, cattle contributed to over 30 percent of China’s agricultural emissions. As the biggest source of greenhouse gasses on the planet, the nation is also under pressure for finding alternatives. However, according to the Good Food Institute’s reports, plant-based alternatives are not very popular in China. It does not meet many people’s expectations but, there is a need for more investment in texture and taste. This “can appeal to Chinese consumers’ famously discerning palates”.

However, studies on cultivated meat reveal that it is more appealing to the average Chinese consumer. According to a recent market study, about 90 percent stated that they are willing to try lab-grown meats. “When China moves, especially on an area as critical to the global economy as food production, the world takes notice and often moves to either compete or partner,” added Tetrick. After all, the move is positive for nations looking for alternatives and improving food security

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