China’s forests are feeding the nation like never before.
On the International Day of Forests, marked annually on March 21, new figures highlight a significant milestone for China’s forestry industry. The National Forestry and Grassland Administration announced that in 2024, China’s forest food production exceeded 200 million tonnes. This achievement positions forest food as the country’s third most important agricultural sector, trailing only grain and vegetables.
Forests are not just vital for the environment; they’re a source of diverse foods. From nuts, fruits, and oils to mushrooms, herbs, and even livestock raised under the forest canopy, the variety is vast. Over the past decade, China has been actively promoting this sector by expanding economic forests and encouraging sustainable farming practices in woodland areas.
To boost forest food production, China introduced several policies. National development guidelines for understory farming and strategic plans for key crops like oil tea and hazelnuts have been implemented. In 2024, an updated Ecological Product Catalogue was released to improve resource management.
These efforts are paying off. China’s forestry industry reached a total output value of over 10 trillion yuan (about $1.4 trillion) in 2024, marking a 9.6 percent increase from 2023. As the demand for sustainable and diverse food sources grows, China’s forests are set to play an even more significant role in feeding its population.
