Chinese Cabbage More Expensive Than Pork

Follow us on TWITTER:   / cnforbiddennews   Like us on FACEBOOK:   / chinaforbiddennews   The price of Chinese cabbage soared in several major cities this month, even exceeding the price of pork. Many say vegetables are now "unaffordable"—a problem experts say indicates an ongoing rise in inflationary pressure primarily due to the official economic stimulus policy. On Mary 4 in a supermarket in Jinan, Shandong Province, the price of one Chinese cabbage rose to RMB 15 yuan. In contrast, pork belly was sold at only 20 yuan per kg. making 1 Chinese cabbage now equivalent to 750 grams pork. Analyst from Beijing Orient Agribusiness Consultant Ltd, Ma Wenfeng, confirms agricultural price rise, based on data. Ma Wenfeng: "On April 30 was the latest round of price increases with a 70% overall rise. Vegetable prices including Chinese cabbage rose by 95%— a higher increase compared to last year's pork price rise. On May 10, the consumer price index (CPI) was 205, which is a new record." Ma Wenfeng says, the peak season for Chinese cabbage production and sale arrives in late autumn/early winter. Usually, the price in May is a little higher, but the current price rise is really tough—it's caused by inflation, Ma analyzes. Ma Wenfeng: "In fact, vegetable prices have fallen a lot now in their places of origin, but the existing inflation has caused heavy price mark-ups in the course between the agricultural producers and the end consumers. So the final retail prices for urban consumers are, indeed, very, very high." In former years, the market abundant supplies in a variety of vegetables each May, with cheap vegetables available until October, but this year's price rise is second only to last winter's, causing great difficulties to consumers. Mr. Chen (Citizen in Guangdong): "Now people are boiling with resentment. It's not only limited to the price of vegetables, but to water, electricity and gas—all have risen, even up by over 50%. The price of everything is rising now, except salaries— How can we carry on living?" Jin Yuehua (Petitioner in Shanghai): "We can't make ends meet, if we solely depended on our salaries. Things like broccoli are even sold at 12-14 yuan per kg. Honestly, our income is hardly enough to pay water, electricity and coal, let alone these high-priced products." China's media proposed a partial reason for the price of Chinese cabbage soaring, blaming the recent oil price rises and the complex distribution connections of agricultural crop. Vegetable produce goes through several links before retail: Vegetable growers—Local vendors—Local wholesalers— Long-distance transporters—Terminal market wholesalers －Terminal market Vendors—End consumers. The price mark-up is a minimum 5% at each stage, with prices even doubling at times, especially over the "final 1km". Survey analysis shows that the CPI in May rallied after its fall in April because of inflation, according to Ma Wenfeng. Ma Wenfeng: "Usually in May, vegetable prices should drop; the current situation indicates that inflation still strengthens. This might be related to the central bank's recent monetary policy—It's completely over-issuing the currency and soon after this over-issuing, prices rose." Ma Wenfeng notes that it's an inappropriate practice to stimulate economy by relying solely on issuing currency. Ma Wenfeng: "Now the actual key lies in the monetary policy, which should not push the economy by issuing banknotes, but should cut tax or reduce other costs of circulation, and that will probably be more beneficial to the whole community. Currency issuing seems only helpful in promoting short-term economic growth—long-term impacts are very negative." Another reason for people to steer clear of Chinese cabbage is the recent exposure of "formaldehyde-tainted cabbages". Media in Shandong Province reported that cabbage sellers sprayed their crops with a formaldehyde solution to keep the produce fresh in transit—formaldehyde was also used on Chinese yams, mushrooms and other vegetables. Informed sources reveal that the usage of preservatives is deemed a "secret rule" in the agricultural industry. The official agricultural market supervision department don't perform detections for any formaldehyde in vegetables. 《神韵》2011世界巡演新亮点 http://www.ShenYunPerformingArts.org/