Intercropping has a strong potential to slow down the severe degradation of arable land, many parts
of China experienced in the last decades. Recent research findings proved the agronomic and environmental
advantages of intercropping systems in the region. However the question remains whether this traditional
production system fits the demands of modern agriculture and how it has to be adjusted to do so. To identify
prevailing intercropping systems and understand farmers underlying motives and concepts a qualitative inquiry
was conducted in the North China Plain. Furthermore farmers, extensionists, and researchers were interviewed
on the future of intercropping. Additionally statistical data was consulted to understand current trends and
future developments of the socio-economic and technical frame conditions. The investigations revealed that the
limited off-farm income possibilities in rural China make intercropping a viable solution to intensively use the
limited land resources of less than 0.5 hectare per farm household for income generation. However, a shift of
rural laborers into the construction and industrial sector can be observed in recent years. Thus decreasing
importance of income from agriculture and increasing labor costs are heralding the slow death of labor
intensive intercropping systems. There is an urgent need to develop and disseminate systems that can be
mechanized. We conclude that only an integrative research approach that includes all stakeholders is able to
adjust the intercropping systems to future demands. Only systems that serve farmers’ requirements can
considerably benefit the environment.