Travel Report on the German Young Agricultural Experts Delegation to China
Between Tradition and Innovation: Insights into China’s Agricultural Future
From October 14 to 24, I had the unique opportunity to travel to China together with eleven other agricultural professionals as part of the German delegation of young agricultural experts. The excursion, organized by DLG International in collaboration with the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture (MARA) and the Centre of International Cooperation Service (CICOS), allowed the participants to gain insights into China’s modern agricultural practices. During the trip, we visited the capital Beijing as well as Jiangsu Province. We met with representatives from leading agricultural enterprises, universities, and attended the Sino-German Agricultural Week, an agricultural science conference. The daily experiences and findings were diverse and showed that despite major challenges, Chinese agriculture is dynamically evolving.
Day 1 & 2: Arrival, Exchange, and Insights into China’s Agricultural Innovations
Upon arrival in Beijing, we were greeted by representatives from the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture. In the evening, a Welcome Ceremony took place, where the exchange program was introduced. Since 2015, over 180 participants and 160 institutions have taken part in this cooperation project. Our group, consisting of students, industry representatives, and practitioners, was the first German delegation since the pandemic. At a traditional Chinese dinner, we had the opportunity to get to know each other and engage in professional exchanges. The next morning, our first excursion day began with a visit to the China Agricultural University (CAU). With 70,000 students, it is China’s largest and most renowned agricultural university. Here, we toured the Institute for Drone and Plant Protection Technology. The lectures provided insights into China’s strategy for reducing the use of pesticides. The institute also develops fully automated machines for fruit and rice cultivation, capable of autonomously navigating through the fields. It was fascinating to learn that Germany and China have been collaborating closely in this area for years. In particular, the University of Hohenheim, where I am currently studying agricultural sciences, is involved in joint development and research projects related to plant protection technology. These technologies are of vital importance to China, as it is the world’s largest consumer of pesticides. A planned reduction of just 20% aims to significantly reduce environmental impact and pressure on biodiversity.
Next, we visited the teaching and research museum for animal feed at the university. Here, we gained interesting insights into feed production and consumption. With a per capita meat consumption of around 120 kg annually in China, feed production is of impressive scale. The exhibition also highlighted the immense importance of (additives and innovations that are no longer used in Germany) to meet this enormous demand. In the afternoon, we had the opportunity to visit the Chinese Association of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine. We received comprehensive insights into China’s meat and dairy production. The statistics show that China produces 45% of global pork and 26% of the world’s total meat production from all animal species. Poultry production has significantly increased in recent years. In particular, in response to African swine fever, which has heavily impacted many small farms, large agricultural operations have grown. The 20 largest operations currently account for 25% of all pigs. The dairy sector is also experiencing growth and holds potential. However, domestic production is unable to fully meet the growing demand. It was also made clear that Chinese animal production is transitioning towards a “green” and quality-focused model. The focus is on creating a more efficient and robust supply. However, the definition of a “green” and quality-oriented transition, as pursued in Germany, is not directly comparable. Higher welfare levels (stages 2, 3, 4, and 5) are not a priority, given the main goal of ensuring food security.
Jannik Luk Heckel
DLG Young Talents Award 2024 Main Prize
Jannik Luk Heckel comes from Landau in the Palatinate, is a trained farmer, and a Bachelor’s student in Agricultural Sciences at the University of Hohenheim. The selection committee highlighted his broad commitment to volunteer work, including serving as Team Captain for Junge DLG/Team Hohenheim, and his strong interest in gaining a wider perspective. For example, at his initiative, he and a fellow student organized a practical teaching unit as a supplement to the “Basic Module Animal Anatomy” that has now been firmly integrated into the curriculum.
Day 3: China's Agricultural Policy and High-Tech Crop Production at the JD Plant Factory
On the morning of the third day, we attended a lecture by Professor Li Xiande from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS). He presented the structure and challenges of Chinese agriculture, which still operates on very small plots, with an average farm size of only 0.6 hectares (as of 2011). The rural population remains high at 34.8%, equating to approximately 491 million people. Despite this, agriculture contributes only 7.3% to GDP, while employing 24.1% of the workforce. China leads in the annual production of grains, rice, vegetables, and meat. However, agricultural imports are growing faster than exports, indicating that domestic production cannot fully meet demand.
Professor Li also highlighted the "Rural Revitalization" strategy aimed at strengthening rural regions through cross-sector development and modern technology. Particularly intriguing was his insight into China's subsidy reforms to promote soil fertility and sustainability.
In the afternoon, we visited the JD Plant Factory, the largest hydroponics facility in China. This plant combines natural and artificial light in a controlled system that produces approximately 300 tons of leafy greens annually. By integrating hydroponics with computer-controlled growth conditions, such as temperature and cooling regulation, the factory provides a model for protected vegetable cultivation in any environment. Unlike conventional field-based production, this system enables resource-efficient vegetable farming without soil or pesticides. The facility primarily serves as a training center and a prototype for building similar systems in the future.
Day 4: Sustainable Circular Economy and Beef Cattle Farming at the Doudian Eco Farm
The fourth day featured an excursion to Doudian Eco Farm, a state-operated model farm for agriculture and circular economy. Spanning 90 hectares, the farm dedicates 80 hectares to grain cultivation (wheat and corn) and 10 hectares to beef cattle farming. With 6,000 Angus and Limousin cattle, the farm relies heavily on mechanization, including some equipment of German origin, to manage feed preparation, feeding, and animal health.
A cornerstone of the farm’s operations is sustainable circular economy: cattle manure is processed into compost, enriched with nitrogen, and used as fertilizer for wheat and corn crops. Additionally, regional organic waste, such as vegetable scraps and leaves, undergoes fermentation to produce bio-fertilizer, yielding 50,000 tons of compost annually.
The farm follows a double-cropping system, cultivating wheat in winter and silage corn in summer. Wheat yields are approximately 650-750 kg per mu (0.07 hectares) at 28% moisture, and silage corn yields 60 tons of fresh matter. Pest control integrates chemical, biological, and physical methods, such as UV lamps for insect management. Fertilization is accomplished using compost and urea distributed via irrigation.
The operation is rounded out by an on-site Halal slaughterhouse, located just three kilometers away, ensuring lower-stress transportation for the animals. The cattle reach weights of 850-950 kg within 26-30 months and are slaughtered for the local Muslim market.
Day 5: Visiting the Great Wall and a View of the Forbidden City
On the fifth day, we visited the Great Wall at Badaling, an awe-inspiring structure offering expansive views of the surrounding landscape and Beijing. In the afternoon, we explored the city center and visited a botanical garden, which provided an excellent vantage point for viewing the Forbidden City.
Day 6 & 7: Arrival in Yancheng and the Sino-German Agricultural Week Kickoff
Day six began with a high-speed train ride from Beijing to Yancheng in Jiangsu Province. Traveling at speeds of up to 300 km/h, the journey offered glimpses of agricultural landscapes dominated by winter wheat and rice fields, as well as the drying and harvesting of corn in large grid dryers.
In Yancheng, the Sino-German Agricultural Week commenced on the seventh day. The opening ceremony was moderated by SUI Pengfei, Director of the International Cooperation Department of China’s Ministry of Agriculture. Notable speakers included LI Jinghui from the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture, German State Secretary Silvia Bender from the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, XIA Xinmin, Vice Governor of Jiangsu Province, German Ambassador Patricia Flor, and WU Wei, Deputy Party Secretary of Yancheng City.
The morning featured keynote speeches such as "Keep It Complex – How to Heal the System, Not Treat the Symptoms" and "Sustainable Development in China's Agriculture." The afternoon involved meetings with State Secretary Silvia Bender and Ambassador Patricia Flor to discuss the exchange program, followed by networking sessions and a tour of Yancheng.
Day 8: Excursions and Conclusion of the Sino-German Agricultural Week
The eighth day included various excursions around Yancheng. The day began with a visit to the Holland Flower Park in Dafeng District, showcasing over 300 tulip varieties and more than 30 million tulip plants. This was followed by a tour of the Dongtai Modern Agricultural Industrial Park, a 7,000-hectare facility focused on “green food” production, particularly high-quality rice varieties enriched with beta-glucan and zinc.
The delegation also visited Gangang Village in Wulie Township, a prime example of agriculture-tourism integration. Alongside high-quality rice production, the village attracts visitors with features like the Gangang Hometown Scenic Area, rice field murals, and orchards. Traditional crafts, such as soy milk production, basket weaving, and wood carving, were demonstrated. Gangang Village has received several accolades, including recognition as a national key village for rural tourism.
The day concluded with a farewell ceremony and the Sino-German Agricultural Cooperation Friendship Night, fostering exchanges between representatives from the BMEL and the Chinese delegation.
Day 9: Final Day of the Sino-German Agricultural Week and Return
The last day featured a session on animal health and combating antimicrobial resistance. Presentations included topics such as "Reducing Antibiotic Use in Animal Husbandry through Targeted Monitoring and Modern Health Management," "Future-Oriented Fleckvieh Breeding in China," and "One Health: Risks of Antibiotic Residues in the Environment."
After nine insightful days, the program concluded with the delegation’s return journey to Germany.
Conclusion
The trip to China was not only exciting but also eye-opening, especially with regard to the differences and challenges faced by Chinese agriculture. It is striking that China’s agricultural policy is primarily focused on food security, which leads to a high use of pesticides and fertilizers. Approaches to reduction are being tested, but the combination of environmental and biodiversity protection with the goal of feeding 1.4 billion people as independently as possible is challenging. While Germany emphasizes strict regulations and a conscious use of resources, China relies on more intensive practices to secure food supply for its population. This approach highlights the contrasts between the two countries: while Germany has already made significant progress in sustainable agriculture, striving to use considerably fewer pesticides and fertilizers, Chinese agriculture is still largely based on traditional, resource-intensive methods. German agriculture has already begun integrating environmental and biodiversity goals into its production methods. It became clear that, despite ambitious climate goals by 2050, China is still at the beginning of a long transformation process, and the tension between food security and climate protection is complex.
In addition to the agricultural insights, the fascinating cultural and culinary aspects of China were another highlight of the trip. The opportunity to experience the country’s diverse cuisine and traditions expanded my horizons and opened new perspectives. I also had the chance to make valuable connections that will be beneficial to me both professionally and personally in the future. It remains to be seen how China will address its agricultural and environmental challenges, and whether food security and climate neutrality can truly be reconciled. I look forward to visiting the country again one day and observing the developments in agriculture and environmental protection in comparison to Germany.
Finally, I would like to sincerely thank DLG e.V. for their support through the DLG Young Talent Award. This support made it possible for me to participate in this educational excursion.