Assessing the efficacy of agricultural cold chain facility expansion in China

This study determines the effectiveness of agricultural cold chain facilities in preserving quality and extending storage time of vegetables and fruits in China. National data were collected through interviews with 10,263 farmers across all provinces except Tibet. Using ordinary least squares regression analysis, several conclusions and policy implications emerge. First, cold chain facilities significantly reduce loss ratios (about 2% on average) and extend storage days for fruits (up to 28 days), but some facilities fail to demonstrate significant effects for vegetables. This implies that stakeholders, especially vegetable producers, must strategically select storage methods. Second, regional disparities exist, with the less developed Northwest facing more acute post-harvest losses, underscoring the need for tailored interventions addressing infrastructure gaps. Third, cold chain transportation distinctly influences vegetable preservation, decreasing losses and storage time. Improving vegetable transport efficiency benefits farmers and consumers. Fourth, supporting facilities like packing houses extend storage days for fruits and vegetables, highlighting the need to construct such infrastructure especially where shipping is limited. Moreover, with the projected expansion of cold chain facilities in China, these findings offer crucial guidance for policymakers, agencies, and farmers in selecting and distributing infrastructure to mitigate losses and support agricultural sector growth. As China advances its cold chain capabilities, this study demonstrates the vital role of such facilities in enhancing food security, reducing waste, and providing fresh produce to consumers.