Impact of implementation of high-standard farmland construction policy on food production resilience: evidence from China

Purpose The High-Standard Farmland Construction (HSFC) Policy, implemented by the Chinese Government in 2011, is a key initiative aimed at improving farmland quality and ensuring food security. However, does the construction of high-standard farmland (HSF) comprehensively safeguard food security? This paper systematically aims to evaluate the impact of the HSFC policy on food production. Design/methodology/approach Continuous difference-in-differences (DID) method is used in this study. 2011 marked a key turning point for the nationwide implementation of the HSFC policy. Given that the construction of HSF is a gradual process, with significant variation in the timing and extent of construction across regions, the traditional DID model does not accurately capture the impact of HSF construction on food production resilience. Therefore, this paper employs a continuous DID method to estimate the effects of HSF construction on food production resilience. Findings The implementation of the HSFC policy has significantly enhanced food production resilience. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the policy has notably improved food production resilience in western regions and non-major grain-producing areas. Additionally, mechanism tests show that the policy affects food production resilience through two channels: increasing land transfer rates and raising agricultural loan balances. Originality/value This paper further enriches the body of research on the impact of the HSFC policy on food security. We suggest that the government could continue to promote the construction of HSF, effectively supervise and manage the construction process, ensure adequate funding and safeguard food security.