Era: I was a farmer at the foot of Yaoling Mountain

After the meeting ended, everyone dispersed.

These people are the backbone of Yaoling Group. Each of them has their own responsibilities, and they are all very busy.

Fang Wei returned to his office and sat down to handle official business.

Wang Lin responded by phone to his previous report regarding the issue of Monsanto's genetically modified soybean seeds. The relevant authorities stated they would continue to monitor the matter, but due to a lack of evidence, they would not take any action against Monsanto for the time being.

Moreover, the fact that many people now highly praise Monsanto undoubtedly increases the difficulty of handling the situation.

A week later.

The price of imported soybeans has been lowered again, causing widespread discontent among soybean farmers.

As the saying goes, low grain prices hurt farmers. Soybean prices are currently plummeting, and farmers' profit expectations are constantly decreasing. Needless to say, if prices remain this low at harvest time, fewer and fewer people will grow soybeans in the future.

Fang Wei has been staying at the research institute and two breeding groups these days, preparing for the project of breeding a new generation of soybeans.

The pressure from Monsanto's genetically modified soybeans led him to prepare to research the next generation of high-yield soybeans after deciding to launch [Nan Dou 339].

"For the next generation of high-yield soybeans, we will follow the technical route of hybrid soybeans. You should collect breeding materials first, and I will try to come up with a framework plan as soon as possible."

All breeding projects are led by Fang Wei and must be carried out under his guidance.

Today he drew up a list of breeding materials to be collected, and then he had to develop a plan, so everyone got busy.

Back in his office, he buried himself in work, beginning to write a breeding program for the next generation of soybeans. The program didn't need to be too detailed; it was a guiding document, outlining the direction, and shouldn't be too restrictive.

Even so, he stayed up for several nights to complete the plan.

We will make further revisions based on the progress and changes of the project, but it is sufficient for now.

At the same time, he also launched preliminary research on a new generation of hybrid rice, a new generation of hybrid corn, a new generation of high-yield peanuts, and a new generation of rapeseed.

Monsanto's relentless attacks instilled in him a deep sense of crisis.

After so many years of investment, the breeding research institute should take on more responsibilities; they can't always live such a leisurely life.

The breeding team should also strengthen its technical capabilities. Under his leadership, the breeding team of the First Brigade and the Yao Village Dese Breeding Team have both expanded their personnel.

Fang Wei focused her energy on breeding, leaving the daily work to Yang Feng and Du Wanyi.

Under Hu Linwei's leadership, the group company is thriving. As chairman, he has retired to the background and rarely gets involved in issues other than major ones.

Of course, the entire Yaoling Group remained under his control, but the authority of the general manager and management was strengthened.

This morning.

Fang Wei arrived at the Yao village and met Wang Sanqi and Wang Songlin in the experimental field.

"Third Brother, I heard we're going to start researching a new generation of hybrid rice again?"

When Wang Songlin saw Fang Wei, he asked her with a grin.

In his heart, he felt it was unnecessary. Yaoling Agriculture's rice varieties were unparalleled. Take the "Nanguang No. 5" for example. Although it was a scientific research achievement from earlier years, it still has no rivals today.

"It's preliminary research, so the timeframe can be extended. We can't keep relying on our past achievements, can we?"

Fang Wei glanced at Wang Songlin and gave a very reasonable explanation.

Wang Songlin felt a little embarrassed. He knew the other person was pointing at him, and it seemed that he had indeed become somewhat lax in recent years.

"Yes, yes, in your words, this is called strengthening technological reserves."

Wang Sanqi, who hadn't said a word before, couldn't help but laugh now: "You already know, so why are you asking?"

The three chatted for a while, and then Fang Wei went into the experimental field to get busy.

The experimental plot of land where Monsanto genetically modified soybeans were previously planted is still lying fallow, resting and recuperating to replenish its fertility. Fang Wei recorded all the changes, actually trying to find ways to resume cultivation as soon as possible.

For the Yao village, this acre of land is nothing, but what about all the soybean farmers who are also growing genetically modified soybeans?
Therefore, he has been researching ways to restore soil fertility as soon as possible, and so far, some progress has been made.

They were busy until noon when Wang Sanqi came over and called him and Wang Songlin to his house for lunch.

"Songlin, things are going to be very busy from now on. Can your body handle it?"

During the meal, Fang Wei suddenly asked a question.

With so many research and preliminary projects coming up, the breeding team will definitely be very busy, and he is a little worried that Wang Songlin's health may not be able to handle it.

"No problem, I'm recovering very well. Binbin even checked on me during the Chinese New Year, and I'm fine now."

Wang Songlin said he was capable of handling the work of the breeding team and that he didn't need to do any physical labor.

"That's good!"

Fang Wei didn't say much. These are turbulent times, but things will get better once these few years are over.

After lunch and a short rest, we went back to the experimental fields. Several days passed quickly.

News has come from various places that the genetically modified soybeans in Monsanto are growing very well and have high resistance to pests and diseases.

Fang Wei declined to comment. When the harvest comes, those who planted genetically modified soybeans will have a final celebration, cheering for the high yield of soybeans.

Although the price of soybeans has fallen, the total income can still be good if the total output increases significantly.

However, these are all just people's fantasies.

As the weather got hotter, Fang Wei basically stopped going to the research institute and experimental fields.

All research projects and pre-research projects are progressing smoothly, and he no longer needs to put pressure on anyone, or even provide a timetable.

Wang Songlin was right that day; what we are doing now is enhancing our technological reserves.

After being busy for so long, Fang Wei finally had some free time.

Early in the morning, he drove into the mountains to check on the progress of the forestry company's tree species replacement plan.

First, he arrived at the experimental forest, where a large number of saplings had already been moved and transplanted to other places.

He then visited several wild forests, and the sight of the wild camellia oleifera forests, in particular, exceeded his expectations. According to his assessment, the current tree species replacement plan has already reached about 75%, and it might even reach 90% or 100% by autumn.

Based on this, the tree species replacement plan will likely be completed ahead of schedule.

He then returned the way he came and went to check the forests in various towns and villages. The camellia trees covering the mountains and fields were growing well, with some trees even reaching a height of five meters.

Generally speaking, the camellia trees on the mountain are between 3 and 5 meters tall, and the whole place is full of vitality.

The herbs planted under the trees are also growing well. Some varieties of herbs can be harvested this fall, while others will be basically mature by next year.

The forestry company will soon enter its harvest season, and its economic benefits will increase significantly.

Fang Wei toured around the various towns and villages. He had lunch at his second sister's house and then went directly to the Linhe Restaurant in the county for dinner.

the next day.

He had just entered his office when he received a call from the county, saying that leaders from the Provincial Department of Agriculture would be visiting Yaoling Township that morning to inspect the work.

Fang Wei guessed that it was probably Wang Lin who had come, but she didn't know if he had come specifically or just happened to be passing by.

Around noon, Wang Lin and his group arrived at the commune and went to the canteen for lunch.

During the meal, Wang Lin sat alone with Fang Wei. They ate fast food, which was convenient and simple.

“Secretary Fang, I’ve been keeping a close eye on the soybean market lately. The domestic soybean price has been declining continuously, and the price deviation is quite serious. I have a bad feeling about this.”

"Unfortunately, your hunch was right. Monsanto's methods are nothing new: dumping low prices to seize the market and crush domestic soybean growers in one fell swoop."

Next, the industry giants will definitely raise prices, doubling or even several times over, severely impacting edible oil companies, feed companies, livestock farms, and so on.

When Wang Lin expressed his concerns, Fang Wei painted a bleak picture for him.

This is not an exaggeration. He doesn't know if [Nan Dou 339] can withstand the attack of genetically modified soybeans, but at least there is still a glimmer of hope.

"Yes, we'll see soon enough. How's the yield of your [Nan Dou 339] seeds? If the relevant departments start aggressively promoting this soybean variety, will your seed production be able to keep up?"

Wang Lin asked one question after another, and all of them received satisfactory answers.

He finally breathed a long sigh of relief. He had come to Yaoling Township with a mission, and thankfully, it wasn't all bad news.

The authorities are not afraid of a soybean war; they will resolutely support domestic enterprises and farmers no matter how difficult the situation. What they fear is that the domestic soybean industry will collapse at the first sign of trouble, without even a proper resistance.

[Nan Dou 339] Soybeans have become known internally through various channels, and this is something that many people have high hopes for.

Wang Lin's purpose in coming here today is to first gather information so that he can report to his superiors.

Having gotten the answer he wanted, he stopped talking and began to eat.

After lunch, Wang Lin and his entourage, accompanied by Fang Wei, visited the soybean breeding base. Nearly 10 mu of dry land is currently being used to cultivate [Nan Dou 339] soybean seeds.

Fang Wei introduced the basic information of [Nan Dou 339] and its current growth status to Wang Lin and others.

"That's great. I look forward to your bumper harvest. Secretary Fang, please write a report later. The relevant departments will promote this type of soybean at the appropriate time."

Wang Lin spoke very subtly, but in reality, they would not only receive strong support, but also special subsidies from relevant departments.

It seems that all parties have realized the consequences of the soybean crisis. Although there is no overt action, they have already begun to take action in secret.

After leaving the soybean breeding base, Wang Lin and his group left by car.

"Secretary, are the leaders here today for [Nan Dou 339]?"

Even the head of the cooperative's production base noticed the problem, so Fang Wei had nothing to hide and nodded. (End of Chapter)