Developing an agricultural biodiversity policy for China

China does not have an agricultural biodiversity policy. Given the significant size and importance of the country’s agricultural resource base, the elaboration of a specific institutional framework for agricultural biodiversity could be instrumental to harmonize the many different and sometimes overlapping or conflicting policies and laws that at present impinge on it. Based on three field experiences, recommendations are made to elaborate a more supportive institutional framework, covering, in particular, recognition, rights, roles, responsibilities, mechanisms, and incentives for community-based and collaborative efforts and innovations concerning in situ conservation of agricultural biodiversity as well as crop improvement.