Abstract:

The formation of agricultural powers is the result of long-term interactions between internal mechanisms and external conditions. From a political economy perspective, this study proposes that the emergence of agricultural powers follows a fundamental mechanism of “gain generation-extraction-domination.” Based on this framework, countries can be categorized into two main types: comprehensive-type and expansive-type agricultural powers. The former relies on abundant resource endowments and large-scale production, while the latter achieves high-efficiency growth under resource constraints through technological innovation and institutional adaptation. The study indicates that the development of agricultural powers generally features the continuous evolution of production modes, the progressive improvement of institutional systems, and the increasing openness of market environments. Drawing on international comparative experience, the paper argues that China’s agricultural policy should undergo a systemic transformation—from integrated to specialized, from quantity-based openness to quality-based openness, and from market participation to rule shaping—to build a modern policy system for an agricultural power driven by efficiency, institutions, and global rule-making capacity.

Key words: agricultural power, value distribution, institutional evolution, international comparison