March 8, 2010
China corn acreage to increase in 2010; soy to fall
This year, Chinese farmers will again plant more corn to seek better returns while reducing acreage for soy.
"Corn areas will continue to increase; farmers are willing to plant the crop, which gives better returns and higher yield," Nie Zhenbang, head of the State Administration of Grain said.
He cited a survey of farmers' planting intentions, noting that soy acreage was likely to keep falling in 2010. He did not give any details. Farmers are preparing to plant their crops next month.
Farmers in China planted 4% less acreage of soy in 2009. China's record soy imports last year pressured domestic prices even though Beijing agreed to stockpile part of the domestic harvest. Corn-planted areas rose 2% in 2009.
