GERMAN retailer Metro AG has launched a pilot project supported by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce that helps to enhance food safety through a standardized and professional supply chain.
The "Metro agricultural products sourcing base project" introduces a consulting company to guide local farmers on safe breeding and planting.
The project also entrusts a third party organization to monitor quality, Metro said during Expo China Central 2008.
The products will be directly sourced into Metro's distribution network.
Metro has invested in the first farm consulting company in China and the first batch of products such as branded baby chicken, Feixi chicken and Changfeng strawberries were available at the end of last year.
Metro estimates about 100 leading agricultural companies will attend the training program this year.