China to focus on improving rural, agricultural development in 2009.

Text of report in English by official Chinese news agency Xinhua (New China News Agency)

[Xinhua: "1st Ld: China To Focus on Improving Rural, Agricultural Development in 2009"]

Beijing, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) - China concluded its annual two-day central rural work conference Sunday with a pledge to give priority to maintaining stable rural and agricultural development, ensuring supplies of farm produce and facilitating income increases for farmers.

Attendees agreed the government would increase subsidies for agricultural production next year. This year, subsidies for things like grain production, seed purchases, farm vehicles and production materials, …