Agriculture and food quality and safety certification agencies in four Chinese cities

Investigations of certification agencies were conducted in four Chinese cities: Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hangzhou and Qingdao. Based on an analysis of the data and information obtained, the status and character of agro-food certification in China were assessed. The main obstacle for development of agro-food certification was identified as the lack of market acceptance for it. In conclusion, the paper provides some suggestions for improving agro-food certification in China.