This paper forecasts major trends behind the conversion of arable land to n
onagricultural uses by the year 2030, as well as food production capacities
in China. It was found that agricultural structure adjustment, urbanizatio
n and industrialization will play an equally important role in reducing the
gross quantity of arable land. In order to conserve high-quality farmland
it is necessary to increase the intensity of nonagricultural land uses thro
ugh both economic incentives and administrative measures. The findings show
that strengthening protection measures for arable land, including land reo
rganization, land reclamation and land restoration, will significantly cont
ribute to maintaining the acreage of arable land and enhancing food product
ion capacities.