Examining Integration, Efficiency and Technical Change in Chinese Pork Production

Pork has been the main protein source for the Chinese millennia. Though China is the largest pork producer in the world, multiple challenges hinder development of pork production and hence demand are difficult to satisfy. Due to national food security strategy, imported pork may only play a minor role. Objective of this research is examining current production efficiency and technological progress in Chinese pork production and discuss comprehensive supply chain integration. This study presents theoretical analysis regarding consumer benefits and how they could be improved. Additionally, efficiency analysis is conducted across three hog production scales with results showing large-scale hog farms not as efficient as medium scale but have advantages in biosecurity and environmental control. This research also shows steady technological progress alone is not enough to satisfy the strategic plan the Chinese government has set forth for food security and structural changes in the industry are necessary