A global delegation representing various regions of La Via Campesina successfully concluded the ‘International Field Study on Agricultural and Rural Revitalisation in China’ — an intensive peasant-to-peasant exchange programme organised in collaboration with the College of Humanities and Development Studies (COHD) at China Agricultural University. The field visit, which covered areas from Beijing Municipality to Hebei Province, aimed to provide deeper insight into China’s significant role in agrarian revitalisation.
Real Life of Chinese Peasants, Dialogue with Academia
In a packed schedule of field visits, lectures, and discussions, LVC delegates studied and observed a wide range of agricultural practices: from family farming at the village level to industrial-scale operations at the county, provincial, and national levels. This diversity offered a comprehensive view of China’s current agricultural landscape.
A highlight for the delegates was engaging in in-depth discussions with peasants in villages. In these meetings, LVC delegates delved deeply into not only the daily lives of food producers, but also what agrarian reform and the current land system mean for peasant livelihoods. Land is not privately owned in China. Instead, a system exists in which rural households are granted the right to use land. The current division of three land rights—collective ownership, land contract rights, and land use rights—makes renting and land transfer possible. As a result, some individuals still control large areas of land in rural regions, as delegates witnessed firsthand.
Sessions with academics were crucial for understanding China’s complex land rights policies, historical context, and ambitious rural revitalization strategies. These dialogues offered critical context, detailed insights, and theoretical grounding for the field observations. Delegates gained deep perspectives on China’s agrarian transformation through lectures by Prof. Wang Chunyu, Prof. Yan Hairong, Prof. Ye Jingzhong, Prof. Jun Borras, and others.
Agroecology & the Challenges of Generational Renewal
The delegation witnessed the strengths of Chinese peasant agriculture, particularly small-scale plots using agroecological methods that achieve very high yields. At the same time, they observed the adoption of advanced technologies — including synthetic fertilisers, biotechnology, and robotics. While peasant farming remains a vital part of China’s agricultural fabric, many of those interviewed expressed concerns about the lack of generational renewal.
Few young people appear interested in becoming peasants or remaining in rural areas, largely due to the higher wages available in urban employment. This anticipated ‘labour shortage’ is among the key drivers behind the state-led push for increased automation and robotisation in agriculture.
Cultural Experiences, Future Horizons
Beyond the academic and agricultural insights, LVC delegates also enjoyed the opportunity to immerse themselves in local Chinese cultures. They tasted traditional foods, sang folk songs, participated in dragon dances, and experienced distinctive architecture and literary heritage — all of which deepened their appreciation for the daily lives of Chinese peasants.
The field visits were characterised by a welcoming atmosphere and rich dialogue, with active participation from peasants, local officials, and small to medium-sized business owners.
“It is impossible to shape our global understanding of peasantry, food sovereignty, and rural revitalisation without learning more about the history and initiatives of a country and culture as vast and influential as China,” remarked one delegate.
La Via Campesina extends its heartfelt thanks to the College of Humanities and Development Studies (COHD) at China Agricultural University for facilitating this field study. This experience has opened the door to potential future collaborations, focusing on strategic thematic areas such as land rights and rural revitalisation.
All photos are by Liu Yadong, COHD