China takes steps to improve quality standards

The Chinese Ministry of Agriculture says it is making food quality and safety a top priority. With the growing awareness of food safety, and the country's desire to expand its food trade, the ministry has sped up the development and implementation of agricultural standards, including the adoption of international standards. Over the past few years, China has revised or created almost 1700 agricultural standards, with 20 percent of adopted standards being internationally recognised. Chinese exports of green and organic products have been rising fast over recent years. Between 2001 and 2003, exports of China's green food increased by from US$400 million to US$1.08 billion, while organic produce exports have risen to US$150 million.