Seed China News 1207

Editor Notes

China's import growth of grains is expected to see a decline in H2 2012, in view of the great drop in grain output of the U.S. caused by the high temperature and dry weather in central and western areas and the rising import prices of some grain species like corn and soybean. Meanwhile, China is likely to expand the grain exports in H2 2012, aiming to make profits and stabilize domestic market.

According to Li Guoxiang, Researcher of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, China's mix of imports and exports of grains should be adjusted, taking account the promised bumper harvest in H2 2012. China's reduced grain imports and increasing grain exports would not only make contribution to international grain market, but also protect the interests of domestic farmers.

In H1 2012, China's grain imports totally hit 40.85 million tonnes, up 41.2% year on year, with the growth mainly from corn and wheat. Revealed by China Customs, China imported 29.05 million tonnes of soybean, 2.41 million tonnes of corn and 0.22 million tonnes of wheat in H1 2012, respectively up 22.5%, 6,535.2% and 294.9% year on year. Meanwhile, China's import volume of barley and rice also saw a significant growth in H1 2012. It is believed that the greatly enlarged grain import in H1 2012 is conducive to domestic market stability in H2 2012, under the situation of rising grain prices globally.

Headline

• Zhangye City is enhancing corn seed production by promoting the construction of national corn seed industrial park.
• Some agrochemical enterprises set foot in seed industry for improving business structure and enhancing profitability.
• 34.2% equity of Sichuan Chuandan Seed Co., Ltd. will be sold by Corn Development Department of Sichuan Agricultural University.
• CCM International invites an industry insider-Meng Lei, a sales manager of Guangdong Kenong, to talk about the bitter gourd seed market in South China.
• The main situation of Shandong's tomato seed market was analyzed, covering tomato planting, dominant varieties, seed price, seed coating, seedling supply and consumption, etc., indicating that the market competition of tomato seeds is intensified in Shandong.
• 2012 Implementation Guidance for High Yield & Quality Alfalfa Demonstration Construction Project was released to boost China's supply capacity of excellent alfalfa.
• Shandong Shengfeng is going to make more efforts to enhance the influence of "Shannong 20" by boosting seed production and marketing.
• IPA1, a gene generating an ideal rice plant, has been applied in super hybrid rice breeding at home.
• The breakthrough in snow lotus GM breeding is expected to enhance the comprehensive performance of snow lotus under artificial cultivation.
• Peanut genome sequencing project started in China is expected to provide basic and direct data for peanut research and commercial breeding.