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On October 18, 2024, China notified National Food Safety Standard for Sterilized Milk Amendment No. 1 to the World Trade Organization (WTO) under G/SPS/N/CHN/1322.

The People's Republic of China (PRC) continues to advance its agricultural biotechnology system for commercial cultivation of domestically-developed genetically engineered (GE) food and feed crops, specifically corn and soybeans.

On October 18, 2024, China notified National Food Safety Standard for Maximum Levels of Contaminants in Food Amendment No. 2 to the World Trade Organization (WTO) under G/SPS/N/CHN/1321.

The United States has become a leading supplier of beef products to China since its reentry into the market in 2017. This report reviews the development of the beef market, analyzes prospects, discusses potential opportunities, and examines in detail the distribution channels of beef products in the China market.

Soybean production for MY 24/25 is forecast slightly up at 19.9 million metric tons (MMT) based on higher yield and a planted area of 9.95 million hectares (Mha).

Post estimates China’s production of apples, pears, and table grapes to increase moderately to 48 MMT, 20.2 MMT, and 14.2 MMT, respectively, in MY 2024/25. Substituted by domestic counterparts, grape imports are expected to further decline.

The Government of Bulgaria (GOB) continues to oppose agricultural biotechnology. Non-governmental anti-biotech organizations, local activists, and Bulgaria’s organics industry actively spread nonscientific disinformation about biotechnology. Meanwhile, Bulgaria’s poultry, dairy, and livestock stakeholders continue to import biotech-derived feed ingredients.

The General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC) Department of Animal and Plant Quarantine (DAPQ) has expanded the list of commodities that require export facility registration.

On December 27, 2023, China issued Guidelines to Comprehensively Promote the Development of a “Beautiful China.” The guidelines propose several goals, tasks, and reforms for building a beautiful China between 2027 and 2035.

FAS/Sofia has revised further downward its estimate for Bulgaria’s MY 2024/25 corn crop to 1.7 million metric tons (MMT) based on the latest harvest data and which, if confirmed, will be the smallest crop since 2012. This is due to the severe summer heat and drought.

Post forecasts domestic raw milk production to grow marginally due to improved dairy milk yield despite declining cow inventories in 2025.

On October 11, 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) announced the issuance of new and renewed biosafety certificates for genetically engineered (GE) events.