MOA releases third batch of NIAHS
DATE:2015-11-18 SOURCE:Information Office, MOA
MOA released the third group of 23 Nationally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (NIAHS) in Taixing City of Jiangsu Province on Nov. 17, 2015. MOA Chief Agronomist Sun Zhonghua attended and addressed the event.
Mr. Sun noted that the NIAHS are precious treasures passed down by Chinese ancestors. Identifying and conserving the NIAHS is of great significance to the inheritance and development of farming civilization, farmers'' income growth, and sustainable agricultural development. It will also boost the pride of Chinese cultural identity.
Relevant provincial competent authorities are urged to improve guidance, management, service and supervision of local agricultural heritage sites, enhance publicity and promotion, pursue policy support in the conservation of the local NIAHS.
Sun pointed out that the NIAHS are rare resources for recreational agriculture and agri-tourism. He gave the following instructions for the marriage between NIAHS conservation and tourism development: (1) enhance planning and guidance. Agri-tourism should be incorporated into the local economic and social development plans; (2) advance integrated development. Agri-tourism should be a priority for integrated development of the primary, secondary and tertiary industries and should be fostered as an innovative emerging business model for the increase of farmers'' income; (3) adopt supporting policies. Local governments should formulate supporting policies and measures with substantial effects, which is well-targeted and practical, through strengthened communication and consultation; (4) review and sum up experiences in a timely manner. Local governments should summarize experiences on regulation and public service, so as to diversify, enrich and improve farming systems; and (5) step up publicity and promotion efforts to convert the NIAHS sites into tourist attractions.
The newly released NIAHS includes 23 systems across China, making the total number of NIAHS hit 62.
