Core Points - The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has issued measures to strengthen the full-chain management of crop varieties, aiming to address the issue of variety homogenization and cultivate breakthrough new varieties to ensure the supply of important agricultural products [1][2] - A special action for enhancing variety management will commence in 2025, with a target to achieve substantial progress in resolving variety homogenization within three years [1] Group 1: Genetic Resource Improvement - The measures propose accelerating the utilization of improved genetic resources, focusing on crops such as soybeans, corn, rice, wheat, rapeseed, and peanuts [1] - A high-throughput resource identification platform will be established, with precise identification of soybean and corn resources to be completed by the end of 2025 [1] - The plan includes advancing the corn genetic resource improvement program and initiating improvement plans for soybeans and rapeseed [1] Group 2: Breeding Innovation - The measures emphasize the importance of breeding innovation, promoting major agricultural science and technology projects, and focusing on enhancing the yield of grain and oil crops [1] - There will be a push for the selection of breakthrough high-quality varieties and optimization of the evaluation mechanism for scientific breeding results [1] - A special work plan for the research and promotion of major breakthrough varieties will be developed to ensure seamless integration of scientific achievements with industrial applications [1] Group 3: Strict Regulation of Variety Trials - The measures will enforce stricter regulations on crop variety trials, including regular rectification of self-conducted trials and severe penalties for fraudulent activities [2] - There will be a rigorous review of the qualifications of participating varieties and trial entities, enhancing the requirements for trial participation [2] - The measures stress the importance of verifying the source of varieties and improving the acceptance norms for approval applications, with applications lacking clarity on sources or breeding processes being rejected [2]

Core Viewpoint - The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China has issued a set of measures aimed at strengthening the management of the entire chain of crop varieties, focusing on improving germplasm resources, promoting breeding innovation, and enhancing regulatory standards for variety trials and approvals [1][2]. Group 1: Germplasm Resource Improvement - The measures emphasize accelerating the improvement and utilization of germplasm resources, including the collection and cataloging of resources, with a focus on key crops such as soybeans, corn, rice, wheat, rapeseed, and peanuts [2]. - A high-throughput resource identification platform will be established, and by the end of 2025, precise identification of soybean and corn resources will be completed [2]. Group 2: Breeding Innovation - The measures call for the advancement of breeding innovation, focusing on major agricultural science projects and collaborative breeding efforts to enhance yield and meet industry needs [2]. - There will be a push for the development of breakthrough superior varieties and an optimized evaluation mechanism for research breeding outcomes [2]. Group 3: Regulatory and Management Enhancements - The measures highlight the need for strict qualification reviews for trial varieties and improved management mechanisms for variety trials [2]. - A robust tracking and evaluation system for varieties will be established, along with enhanced protection of intellectual property rights related to varieties [2][3]. Group 4: Implementation and Accountability - Starting in 2025, a special action will be launched to strengthen the management of the entire chain of varieties, with a focus on inter-departmental collaboration and accountability [3]. - The implementation of these measures will be integrated into provincial assessments of land protection and food security responsibilities, aiming for substantial progress in addressing variety homogenization within three years [3].

Group 1 - The article emphasizes the importance of collecting and introducing germplasm resources to enhance breeding and research capabilities [1] - It highlights the need for a regular collection of germplasm resources and accelerating the third census for cataloging and storage [1] - The introduction of high-yield, high-oil soybeans, disease-resistant corn, quality specialty wheat, sugar crops, and tropical crops is prioritized to enrich the breeding research foundation [1]