The city of Jinan — capital of East China's Shandong province — has introduced a new version of 11 measures that are designed to boost its seeds industry.

These measures aim to accelerate Jinan's development as a seed capital in northern China, promote its rural vitalization and ensure food safety.

The initiatives include increased support and subsidies for seed enterprises and for research.

Wheat breeding is a long and challenging process, often requiring a decade or more to develop a valuable new variety.

"Seeds are fascinating, but they can also be very demanding," said Yuan Yuanyuan, head of the crop innovation department at the Jinan Academy of Agricultural Sciences.

Yuan and her team have adopted a path towards future core breeding efforts, which is to develop breakthrough new wheat varieties that are high-yielding, water-saving and nutritionally efficient.

"The determination and actions of Jinan to build a seed capital have provided us with a broader platform and richer resources," she said.

"The new 11 measures and other preferential policies this year have greatly enhanced our confidence to tackle difficulties, supporting us to move forwards step by step," Yuan added.

The newly released 2025 version of the seeds industry policy measures includes several changes, according to Yang Rui, who works at the seeds industry management office of the Jinan municipal bureau of agriculture and rural affairs.

The first change is to increase the introduction and cultivation of seeds enterprises. The second change is to accelerate the improvement of new seed variety trial and demonstration bases. The third is designed to encourage and support multiple parties to participate in the protection and utilization of germplasm resources. Fourth, is to expand the scope of government-backed financing guarantees.