Economic Organizations Popular Among Beijing Farmers

Xinhua, 27 May 2001

BEIJING, May 27 (Xinhua)—Organizations for economic cooperation have become popular among Beijing farmers as some 223, 000 rural households, or one-third of the total, have joined altogether 1,855 such organizations.

Those engaged in the processing and selling of agricultural products, which are vital to increasing the income of farmers, account for 45 percent of the total farmers' organizations, according to the city government.

In the first quarter of this year, 80 percent of fresh milk sold in the Beijing market was handled by farmers' organizations.

Since last year, 46 percent of vegetables, 40 percent of fruits and 30 percent of aquatic products have entered the local market through these organizations, which have, in the meantime, handled the export of 95 percent of agricultural products.

It is estimated that an organization membership would add some 500 yuan to the income of each farmer.