BEIJING - The Ministry of Commerce (MOC) on Wednesday issued a guideline to facilitate the circulation of fresh agricultural products over the next three to five years.

The guideline aims to improve innovation in the circulation of fresh farm produce, simplify procedures in circulation, cut costs and raise efficiency.

Farm produce dealers will be encouraged to change their trade patterns and use the Internet to diversify their business channels, according to a statement from the MOC.

The MOC will encourage innovation in management by supporting demonstration centers to promote innovations regarding grading, packaging, refrigeration and transportation, the statement said.

Farm produce prices have extended an upward trend in 36 large- and medium-sized cities in China, the MOC said on Tuesday.

Food prices account for almost one-third of the prices used to calculate the consumer price index (CPI), a key gauge of inflation.

The CPI grew 2 percent year on year in November, up from a 33-month low of 1.7 percent in October, the National Bureau of Statistics announced on Sunday.