China outlines 2026 priorities for rural development and modernization in No 1 central document

China released its annual No 1 Central Document for 2026 on Tuesday, setting out priorities for agriculture and rural development as the country seeks to advance agricultural and rural modernization and promote comprehensive rural vitalization.

As the first No 1 central document under the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–30), it outlines measures to develop modern and large-scale agriculture, improve living conditions in rural areas, and raise farmers' incomes, providing a solid foundation for advancing Chinese modernization.

The document aims to achieve fresh progress in comprehensive rural vitalization and lift agricultural and rural modernization to a new level, as China moves steadily toward its goal of building a strong agricultural nation, an official from the Office of the Central Rural Work Leading Group said. It calls for drawing on the experience of the Green Rural Revival Program and using reform and innovation as key drivers of progress.

Agricultural and rural modernization is critical to the overall quality and success of China's path to modernization, the document said, reaffirming the principle of prioritizing agricultural and rural development and promoting integrated growth of urban and rural areas. Priorities include improving the effectiveness of policies that strengthen agriculture and benefit farmers, safeguarding national food security, and consolidating achievements of poverty alleviation. It also highlights raising standards in rural industry development, rural construction, and rural governance.

The document covers six parts, including the enhancement of agricultural production capacity and efficiency, the implementation of routine assistance measures, and efforts to promote stable income growth for farmers. China will step up efforts to develop livable and industry-friendly rural communities tailored to local conditions, according to the document. The Party's overall leadership over work related to agriculture, rural areas, and farmers should be strengthened, it added.