China's grain output hits 715 million tonnes in 2025, official says food security assured

By Suo Hanxue, China Economic Herald Reporter, Beijing

On September 21, the State Council Information Office held a press conference under the "15th Five-Year Plan: A Strong Start" series, addressing the management of China's grain reserves and the safeguarding of national food security.

Liu Huanxin, a member of the Leading Party Members Group of the National Development and Reform Commission and Director of the National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration, stated clearly that while international grain markets have experienced varying degrees of volatility, China's grain market remains generally stable, and the country's food security is reliably guaranteed.

China's Grain Supply Is Secure

Recent forecasts from the World Meteorological Organization indicate that the El Niño phenomenon is intensifying, which will have certain impacts on global grain production. Meanwhile, geopolitical conflicts have led to disruptions in transport routes and rising fertilizer prices, driving up grain production costs and increasing global food security uncertainties.

In response, Liu Huanxin noted that these developments require close attention, calm observation, scientific assessment, and proactive responses.

From a production perspective, China's comprehensive grain production capacity has steadily improved in recent years, thanks to the implementation of various agricultural support and benefit policies. Given the country's vast territory, different regions can compensate for each other's harvest shortfalls, resulting in relatively strong production stability.

Liu Huanxin released the following data:

• Since 2015, China's annual grain output has remained stable at over 650 million tonnes.
• In 2024, it exceeded 700 million tonnes for the first time.
• In 2025, it reached 715 million tonnes.
• Per capita grain availability exceeds 500 kilograms, higher than the global average, providing a solid material foundation for national food security.

From a reserve perspective, during the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, the scale and structure of reserves have been continuously optimized, with more rational distribution and steadily improved safeguarding capacity. The ratio of total grain stock to consumption in society is far above the international food security warning line of 17%–18%.

"China's grain industry has developed strongly in recent years, characterized by sufficient processing capacity, broad coverage, and strong safeguarding capability," Liu Huanxin said. "Currently, there are 24,000 grain processing enterprises nationwide, covering categories such as finished grain and oil processing, food and condiment production, feed processing, and deep processing. The annual total industrial output value of grain enterprises exceeds 4 trillion yuan, with more than one-third of provinces achieving an annual output value exceeding 100 billion yuan."

Addressing the Global Food Security Crisis

Ensuring national food security is an enduring challenge. Liu Huanxin emphasized the need to maintain confidence and composure while remaining vigilant and preparing for potential risks. He called for close monitoring of changing circumstances, proactive responses, addressing weaknesses, and comprehensively strengthening the foundation to continuously enhance national food security capabilities.

Regarding the resolution of the global food security crisis, Cheng Guoqiang, Dean of the National Food Security Strategy Research Institute at Renmin University of China and a national first-level professor, told China Business News: "To resolve the global food security crisis, we need to stop conflicts, maintain trade openness, invest in climate resilience, and close funding gaps."

Cheng Guoqiang pointed out that without resolving conflicts, any technological or financial measures can only provide temporary relief. Currently, geopolitical conflicts have affected 19 countries, pushing 147.4 million people into severe acute food insecurity.

Additionally, reducing export restrictions and maintaining the security of key transport routes can directly lower the cost of grain for importing countries. "Maintaining trade openness is the fastest way to stabilize supply," Cheng noted.

"A strong El Niño event is approaching. Early warning systems, the promotion of improved crop varieties, irrigation facilities, and technical cooperation are fundamental pathways to help vulnerable countries secure their own food supply," Cheng said. "Investing in climate resilience and agricultural technology is a long-term foundation."

Furthermore, Cheng argued: "Low-income countries need to address funding and debt gaps. The four-year trend of a 59% decline in food aid funding must be reversed. At the same time, the debt burden on low-income countries should be alleviated, and their ability to purchase food should be restored through social security and nutritional interventions."