A People’s Daily editorial on December 30, 2018 on the Central Rural Work Conference said it had concluded that it is necessary to adhere to the development of agriculture and rural areas, deeply implement the rural revitalization strategy, resolutely win the battle against poverty, and earnestly do “three rural issues” (agriculture, rural areas, and farmers) work well. According to the editorial, the most “prominent shortcomings” in achieving a moderately prosperous society reside in the countryside. As China’s economic situation becomes more complicated, the editorial said, it is all the more necessary to maintain stability in the three rural issues. Therefore, over the next year, the three rural issues must be a top priority for the entire Party. It also said 'To build a well-off society in an all-round way, the most difficult task is in the countryside, and the most prominent shortcomings are also in the countryside. Xiaokang is not well-off, the key is to look at fellow villagers. Ensuring that the poor are out of poverty on schedule is the most urgent task currently required.' The editorial emphasised that there is enough food, but added 'At any time, the rice bowl should be firmly in our hands, and it is mainly loaded with Chinese food. We must not relax our efforts in grain production, stabilize grain production, and promote the implementation of grain-based and grain-saving technologies'.