Top Ten Agriculture, Rural Areas and Farmers Events of 2014 Announced: A Year-End Review Through Farmers' Eyes

China National Radio's China Countryside Voice recently announced the results of the “Top Ten Agriculture, Rural Areas and Farmers Events of 2014 Through Farmers' Eyes” selection. The organizers of the selection said they sought out major agriculture, rural areas and farmers events from the perspective of farmers, recording the development and progress of China's agriculture, rural areas and farmers from the farmers' viewpoint. They specially invited 100 farmer and migrant worker judges, as well as listeners and netizens of China Countryside Voice, to jointly participate in the voting, ultimately producing the top ten agriculture, rural areas and farmers events of 2014 through farmers' eyes.

1. The No. 1 Central Document of 2014 focused on agriculture, rural areas and farmers for the 11th consecutive year, with numerous reform measures on target prices for agricultural products, the land system and rural finance helping agricultural and rural development.

2. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and the Ministry of Finance issued the Interim Measures for the Connection of Urban and Rural Pension Insurance Systems, breaking the ice on the transfer and connection of urban and rural pension insurance systems.

3. The Opinions on Guiding the Orderly Transfer of Rural Land Management Rights and Developing Moderate-Scale Agricultural Operations was issued, clarifying the principles and direction for the transfer of rural land management rights.

4. The State Council issued the Opinions on Further Advancing the Reform of the Household Registration System, setting out a clear road map and timetable for household registration reform.

5. The State Council issued the Opinions on Further Improving Services for Migrant Workers, with the word “services” highlighting a people-oriented approach and fair treatment.

6. The Food Safety Law underwent its first revision after 5 years of implementation, ensuring safety at the tip of the tongue.

7. Premier Li Keqiang appeared in Qingyanliu Village, Yiwu, Zhejiang, giving a thumbs-up to the “No. 1 Online Store Village,” as e-commerce became a new force changing agriculture, rural areas and farmers.

8. The 2014 National Policies and Measures for Deepening Rural Reform, Supporting Grain Production and Promoting Farmers' Income Growth was issued, with 50 preferential policies for farmers and 200 billion yuan in subsidy funds to promote agricultural development and increase farmers' incomes.

9. “Petty officials with massive corruption” was listed as a focus of central inspections, with localities drawing their swords against corruption involving agriculture.

10. Developing family farms to solve the dilemma of “who will farm the land.”