China's forest food production surpasses 200 million tonnes

March 21 marks the International Day of Forests, with this year's theme highlighting the crucial role forests play in food production.

China's forest food output exceeded 200 million tonnes in 2024, cementing its place as the country's third most important agricultural sector after grain and vegetables, according to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration.

Beyond their environmental benefits, forests provide a diverse range of food products, from nuts, fruits and oils to mushrooms, herbs and even livestock raised under forest canopies. China has been actively promoting this sector by expanding economic forests and encouraging sustainable farming in woodland areas.

Over the past decade, China has introduced policies to boost forest food production, such as national development guidelines for understory farming and strategic plans for key crops like oil tea and hazelnuts. In 2024, the country also released an updated Ecological Product Catalogue to improve resource management.

Thanks to these efforts, China's forestry industry reached a total output value of over 10 trillion yuan (about $1.4 trillion) in 2024, a 9.6 percent increase from 2023.