Why Chinese Tycoons are Investing in the Agri-Food Sector

China’s Focus on Food Security

In China, there is a growing trend of prominent businessmen investing substantial amounts of money in the agri-food sector.
At the same time, the government is keen on implementing action plans to safeguard agriculture, livestock, and anything related to food.

The reason is simple: Beijing aims to secure national food safety.
Authorities have committed to increasing grain yields and advancing the seed industry, crucial pillars to meet the nutritional needs of the Chinese population.
A published action plan from the Chinese State Council has set the target to raise the national wheat yield by over 50 million tons by 2030, aiming for 420 kilograms per mu (a Chinese unit of measurement equivalent to 1/15 of a hectare).
This represents an 8% increase from the previous year.

Government’s Agricultural Policies

Due to extreme weather events and global food market instability, China has placed greater emphasis on food security.
President Xi Jinping has declared this concept a “national priority.” Beijing has made massive efforts to diversify imports, boost domestic production, and reduce reliance on foreign cereals such as soybeans and maize.
The State Council’s document also emphasizes innovation in the seed sector, crucial for agriculture’s advancement.

Projects and Innovations

Government initiatives include water conservation, construction of high-quality farmland, agricultural mechanization, and disaster prevention.
These efforts are underway in 720 counties, outlined in a crucial action plan for wheat production.
Influential Chinese tycoons, such as Jack Ma and William Ding, are strategically contributing to these efforts.
They have ventured into the agri-food sector, supporting the government’s goals and investing in agricultural businesses.

Jack Ma, the co-founder of Alibaba, recently established Hangzhou Ma’s Kitchen Food, focusing on selling pre-packaged foods and agricultural products retail.
Ma’s interest in agriculture has surged following government regulations affecting his previous ventures.
William Ding, founder of NetEase, also entered pig farming in 2009, selling pork products across China through his e-commerce platform, Yanxuan, to enhance food security in the country.