While some of the projects are restricted in their geographical scope, they are all designed as demonstration projects, the lessons from which can be replicated elsewhere in China. In many cases, developing sustainable patterns of agriculture cannot be achieved without addressing the underlying reasons for rural poverty. For this reason, the EU has launched a poverty alleviation programme in Yunnan province which seeks to develop more sustainable farming while using micro-credit schemes to address the lack of capital available to local farmers. The EU's biggest rural development project will shortly be launched in Tibet. This will address irrigation, drinking water, agriculture, education and healthcare in an attempt to reverse the cycle of poverty.
Chinese agriculture needs expertise and know-how if it is to develop successfully.
To this end the China-Europe Centre for Agricultural Technology was established in order to build up a centre of excellence. Science and Technology Joint research projects, workshops, etc.