Young farmers are being encouraged to join an EU - China exchange programme to discover more about agriculture in the second largest economy in the world.
It also wants to encourage the sharing of best practice in sustainable farming.
EU Commissioner Phil Hogan and Han Changfu, Minister of Agriculture of the People's Republic of China, signed a joint statement launching the project in April.
They have now issued a call for applicants for the first stage of the initiative, which will see 10 young farmers (under 40) chosen from across the EU to visit China in November this year.
The aim of the project is to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the area of agriculture and rural development between the EU and China.
It wants to provide an opportunity for young farmers and agricultural professionals from both sides see how they each rise to the challenges of their respective farming sectors.
Next generation
Phil Hogan said: "In both Europe and China – and indeed anywhere else in the world – we need to encourage the next generation of young farmers and rural entrepreneurs to create a food and farming sector fit for the 21st century.
"I welcome this opportunity to strengthen the already positive and constructive relations between the EU and China in this area which I saw during my visit there last year."
The exchange programme is part of the broader cooperation between the EU and China on agriculture and rural development which began in 2012.
The project will focus especially on sustainable farming techniques and environmental practices.
The project recommendations will also be shared at a final conference to be organised in China end of 2018.
