A recent guideline targeting the development of the flower industry in China, which was co-issued by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration and Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, states that the country aims to basically realize the modernization of its flower industry by 2035, with the annual flower sales exceeding 700 billion yuan (approx. 101.28 billion US dollars).

       Abounding in plant germplasm resources and having a long history of flower cultivation, China has great potential for the development of the flower industry. Currently, it is the largest flower producer, an important player in the imports and exports of flowers and a major flower consumer in the world. However, the country is also being challenged with the urgent innovation of the flower seed industry and improvement of the quality of flower products.

       To facilitate the high-quality development of the flower industry, the plan outlines seven strategies, including building an independent innovation system for China’s flower seed industry, improving industrial chains and supply chains of the flower sector, strengthening technology-oriented innovation, elevating the quality of flower products, accelerating the digitalization of the flower industry, promoting flower culture, and driving the consumption upgrade of flowers. In addition, it also puts forward requirements for the flower production and marketing across the country.

       Fully considering the domestic and overseas environment for the Chinese flower industry, as well as the conditions for the country’s development in the sector, the guideline makes it clear that as of 2025, China will establish a comprehensive system for the innovation in the flower seed industry, with increasing independent innovation ability and stronger sci-tech support. By 2035, the country will develop a complete system for flower germplasm resources protection and upgrading industrial chains and supply chains, and basically realize the modernization of the flower industry with the market share of the varieties of self-bred flowers hitting 25 percent and yearly annual flower sales surpassing 700 billion yuan, ultimately, becoming one of the leading flower producers and consumers in the world.

       In addition, the plan prioritizes 11 efforts towards the development in the flower industry, including strengthening the system of flower germplasm resources protection, enhancing the development of innovation platforms for the flower seed industry, advancing the construction of modern flower industry bases, upgrading the modern flower market networks, optimizing the modern flower information system, perfecting the flower standards and quality supervision system, improving the quality of vocational skill education involving flower cultivation, developing new business forms for the flower industry, reinforcing flower brand building and marketing, promoting flower culture, and, furthering international exchanges and cooperation in the flower industry.