Global Trends and Dynamism of China's Agro-Food System

This book integrates diversified disciplines, research approaches, and methodologies of area studies, regional economic development, and regional science. With its huge population, China has accomplished rapid economic growth since the 1990s, although the significant income gap among regions and individuals has become a serious problem for its society. China's accession to the WTO in 2001 has had various influences on the entire food system, from agriculture to consumers, through the food manufacturing and distribution industries. The changes in the Chinese food system are considered to have also affected the agriculture and food industries in Asian countries where economic interdependence has been promoted in past decades. The author argues these issues based on interdisciplinary and multi-disciplinary methods and approaches and has successfully derived empirical and theoretical results that are rich in policy implications. The topics addressed include food security and sustainability of agriculture especially in the suburbs of big cities; poverty reduction in rural agricultural areas amidst prosperity in urban and coastal areas; regional networks and international trade of the food industry in East Asia; creation of innovative knowledge and human capital for clustering of the agro-food sector; regional development strategy; and international cooperation. The book is interesting for researchers in the field, especially for those who are concerned with the food system that has been changed dynamically in the past two decades, and it is informative, as well, for practitioners who are engaged in related business.