Food security refers to the state in which a country can produce sufficient food in a particular political, economic and natural environment (especially in harsh conditions) with its own scientific and technological means and resource allocation, and the capability to maintain a stable food supply to society, to cope with unforeseen incidents and to safeguard the sustainable development of economy.

Chinese people must have full control over their own food supply. As the country's priority, food security is an important cornerstone for national security and the most important issue that concerns people's livelihood. Food is closely related to the fate of the country and the livelihood of the people. The Central Authorities attach great importance to food security, and have always taken solving the people's food problem as the primary task of administering and bringing security to the country.

Truly powerful countries in the world are capable of addressing the basic needs of their people. Domestic food productivity is inextricably linked to the strength of a country. Food supply is not only an economic issue, but also a social and political issue. Safeguarding national food security is an important foundation for realising economic development, social stability and national security.

The strategic core of the country's food security is to safeguard high and efficient production as well as stable and increasing production. The key is resource conservation and environmental friendliness. The focus is about developing a model for increasing green production and integrating environmental protection concepts throughout the entire process of an enhanced production model.

Hong Kong is highly dependent on the Motherland for its food supply and also relies on the global market for food, the latter of which has exposed Hong Kong to volatility of the global economy. The HKSAR Government has stepped up food safety control measures. Citizens live by the civilised spirit of cherishing food and "saying no to food waste".