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Healthy and Sustainable Diets in China and Their Global Implications

Author

Listed:
  • Yumei Zhang
  • Jingjing Wang
  • Shenggen Fan

Abstract

Current diets in China and worldwide are neither healthy nor sustainable. This paper addresses this challenge focusing on China, which has experienced a rapid dietary transition in recent decades. We investigate how China can improve both health and environmental outcomes by adopting healthy and sustainable diets through a literature review and a food system modeling exercise. We further analyze how policy interventions, including both supply‐ and consumer‐side strategies, can promote the transition toward such diets. The findings provide valuable lessons for other countries facing comparable challenges.

Suggested Citation

  • Yumei Zhang & Jingjing Wang & Shenggen Fan, 2025. "Healthy and Sustainable Diets in China and Their Global Implications," Agricultural Economics, International Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 56(3), pages 349-359, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:agecon:v:56:y:2025:i:3:p:349-359
    DOI: 10.1111/agec.70020
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Matin Qaim & Martin C. Parlasca, 2025. "Agricultural Economics and the Transformation Toward Sustainable Agri‐Food Systems," Agricultural Economics, International Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 56(3), pages 327-335, May.
    2. Huang, Zhenyu & Duan, Qianwen & Jin, Jizhong & Tan, Minghong & Wang, Xue & Xin, Liangjie & Li, Xiubin, 2026. "The impact of cropland abandonment on food productivity in China's mountainous areas in 2050," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 164(C).
    3. Yaowen Xu & Qian Li & Youhan Wang & Na Zhang & Julin Li & Kun Zeng & Liangsong Wang, 2025. "Dynamic Evolution and Driving Mechanisms of Cultivated Land Non-Agriculturalization in Sichuan Province," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-25, September.
    4. Yuxuan Wang & Ze Tian & Xiaodong Jing & Mengyao Li, 2025. "Development Dynamics and Influencing Factors of China’s Agricultural Green Ecological Efficiency Based on an Evaluation Model Incorporating Ecosystem Service Value and Carbon Emissions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-31, September.
    5. Long, Wenjin & Meng, Ting & Tian, Xu & Fan, Shenggen, 2025. "China’s food security and food system governance: recent developments and global implications," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 137(C).

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