context: On top of the constant pursuit of sufficient and quality animal products, the revised law sets higher goals for the industry, notably improving domestic animal breeding and reducing public health risks via attention to disease control and farm waste utilisation. Pastoralism and slaughtering which were overlooked in the old version now have their own chapters.
Approved by the NPCSC (National People's Congress Standing Committee), the new Animal Husbandry Law will take effect from 1 Mar 2022. Securing the supplies of animal products must resort to higher production capacity and quality, commented Yue Zhongming 岳仲明 NPCSC Legislative Affairs Commission Economic Law Office director. The law, therefore, fills several regulatory gaps in the supply chain. Protecting and utilising animal genetic resources is one of the priorities. The law clarifies the state's responsibility to conduct a nationwide survey and run genetic banks. Companies are encouraged to do their own R&D work. MARA (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs) will soon set up a platform to proceed with applications for the production permit of breeding animals. Two chapters are added, regulating
- modern pastoralism featuring scale and standardised operation, as well as protection of pasture and introducing high-quality forage grass
- slaughtering that connects production and consumption sides, requiring better safety and quality controls
The law also has new items stressing collecting, storing, safely disposing of, and recycling animal manure. An ideal way is to reuse manure as organic fertiliser, therefore naturally integrating the crop planting and animal husbandry sectors. Small farmers, usually lacking clear guidance and regulation on their disease control and recycling activities, will face stricter requirements made by provincial governments. They are also part of the plan to upgrade the industry, expecting to be incorporated into the operation of large companies and farmers' coops.