Daily News March 16, 2014

Crops and Food Security

Food safety fears contribute to rapid growth in organic products, South China Morning Post

Mainland approvals for healthier products have more than doubled over past four years.

China’s GMO Policies in the Spotlight of Public Concern, USMEF

The genetically modified food issue emerged during the National People’s Congress that commenced March 5, drawing public and outspoken support from some sectors, including Chinese Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) Vice-Minister Niu Dun, and opposition from more conservative factions of the government.

Environment and Pollution

Hubei sees successful UAV test to tackle smog, Wantchina Times

A domestically made parafoil plane in reducing fog performed its first test at an airport of central China's Hubei province on Saturday.

Only three cities in China met air quality standard in 2013: official, Wantchina Times

Only three of the 74 major Chinese cities subject to air quality monitoring met the national standard for fine air in 2013, an environmental protection official said on Saturday.

China pushing for new-energy cars, but challenges abound, CNTV English

In his government work report during the Two Sessions, Premier Li Keqiang said tackling air pollution was at the top of the government’s list. To attain this goal, a multi-pronged strategy is needed. One solution is to develop new energy vehicles, something easier said than done.

Trade

Hong Kong to consider increasing electricity imports in energy mix consultation, South China Morning Post

Hong Kong has to widen cross border power imports to help attain its emission reduction goals, but substantial expansion of nuclear energy intake might be out of question in the short term, according to a source close to the government.