Quality control authorities are working on certain criteria for farm produce quality, package, storage, transportation, labels and hygienic standards, such as the maximum amount of pesticide allowed on agricultural products, he said.

According to the MOA official, many provinces and municipalities are setting up inspection and quarantine centers. "Equipped with first-class facilities and well-trained professionals, these watchdogs will help ensure quality and security of agricultural products throughout their life cycle and until they are served on tables," the official said.

Meanwhile, China has renewed its efforts to regulate the market by cracking down on counterfeit materials and products.

"As a second step, we will inspect closely the production materials, including the seeds, seedlings, fertilizers and pesticide," said the MOA official.

As another move to upgrade product quality, China has stepped up with agricultural industrialization by encouraging rural households to participate in mass production activities led by leading enterprises.

MOA statistics show that some 60 million rural families across the country are involved in mass production of farm produce, organized by some 66,700 enterprise groups and agricultural promotion bodies.

(Pepole’s Daily November 3, 2001)