As it undergoes rapid urbanization China loses more and more farmland every day. In response to this situation, Cofco—one of the largest agricultural companies in the world—hired Moore Ruble Yudell (MRY) to plan an ambitious demonstration project that would offer a new model of rural development. The client’s goal is to combine agricultural living and working in a sustainable way while maintaining food production close to the city.

The Agricultural Eco Valley employs the concept of “zero energy in, no waste out” and focuses on the cultivation of organic foods. “This state-of-the-art, sustainable project is really about the future of mankind, and how we move forward in planning and building our communities,” states James Mary O'Connor, a principal at MRY in California. “China sees itself as a future leader of eco-agricultural production and technology, and this project is envisioned to set a precedent world-wide”, adds O’Connor.