1994: Vegetable farmers strike back

Chapter 398 From the Jade Vegetable Market
Congyu Vegetable Market is located at the foot of Fengyunling Mountain, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Chen Jiazhi stood on a hillside, gazing at the Congyu vegetable market, breathing in the fresh air of Fengyunling, and listening to Guo Mancang say that he couldn't compete with the Congyu vegetable market in Conghua.

The Yucai Market is indeed very powerful. Along the way, it is estimated that two to three thousand households and tens of thousands of acres of land have been affected.

Its base environment is impeccable. When you come up in the morning, the mountains are shrouded in mist and the scenery is beautiful, giving it a geographical advantage for producing high-quality vegetables.

"Old Guo, you can't boost others' morale and diminish our own. We're not bad off now."

Guo Mancang realized that what he had just said was a bit discouraging, and racked his brains to think of something.

"The main reason is that the Yucai Market is deeply rooted in Conghua and is probably considered a treasure by the locals. Zengcheng does not have a similar large market yet. If we choose to be in Zengcheng, the level of attention we receive will be completely different."

"That makes sense." Chen Jiazhi nodded slightly, then added.

"But we are not Hong Kong businessmen, and we don't have enough funds to build a very large market."

“Look at the Congyu vegetable market down the mountain. The land is flat, the irrigation ditches are connected, and the roads are linked. The basic land preparation alone would cost tens of millions of yuan.”

The wind on the mountain was a bit noisy.

Chen Jiazhi can come up with 10 million yuan now, but there are many other places where he needs the money, and he can't spend it all here.

Moreover, with rising labor costs, the mechanization of the production process must also be taken into consideration.

These all cost money.

If the investment is not large enough and there is no Hong Kong capital background, it will be difficult to obtain support from Zengcheng County or higher levels.

If the investment is small, it may be more advantageous to follow the trend and invest in a vegetable market in Conghua, as there are already signs of policy support.

"Another point is that many farmers in Conghua are following the trend of growing leafy vegetables, and the Congyu vegetable market cannot possibly consume them all. We can also include some of them as our source of goods."

"In addition, Conghua has a considerable area for planting melons and beans, which is conducive to promoting our seedlings."

Guo Mancang was still a little unwilling and asked, "Boss, how big is the new market? I want to go to Zengcheng to inquire about the relevant policies."

Chen Jiazhi pondered for a moment and said, "1000 to 1500 mu would be more suitable, with a total investment of no more than ten million yuan."

Guo Mancang nodded. "I'll ask around again and ask the locals for recommendations. It's too slow to find someone on our own."

This did remind Chen Jiazhi.

Years of experience have made him accustomed to driving around aimlessly with a map in hand, searching for suitable bases.

However, it's somewhat unsuitable for the current situation.

He recalled his experience in Yuanmou County, where the hundred-acre greenhouse base in Huangguayuan Town was recommended by the county.

Perhaps we can replicate that experience in Conghua.

Although he is not a Hong Kong businessman and his investment is not that large, the scale of his business is not small. It is impossible for the local area not to be interested in agricultural projects worth hundreds of millions of yuan.

The question is, how do we establish a relationship with the local government?

Chen Jiazhi thought of the other two shareholders, as well as the neighboring Dongsheng Farm.

He just didn't know where the Dongsheng Conghua base was located. His boss from his previous life should still be in Dongsheng at this moment.

There wasn't time to look for him anymore.

The broccoli in Shanghai is about to be harvested, so I should go back as soon as possible to check on the situation and try to strike up a conversation with the people in Conghua City.

Searching from top to bottom should be faster than searching by yourself.

So the three of them returned the same way.

Guo Mancang planned to contact the Zengcheng County government, believing that his nearly 10 million yuan investment would certainly receive local policy support, which was a considerable sum.

After sending Guo Mancang back, Chen Jiazhi and Xue Jun arrived at the Spruce Hotel on the afternoon of the last day of April.

After getting off the bus, Chen Jiazhi looked up at the sky, feeling a deep sense of unease.

A thin layer of light brown gauze seemed to be suspended in the air, making the sunlight appear dim and weak when it shone through. Squinting at the Huaxia Hotel in the distance, one could only vaguely make out the outline of the building.

Xue Jun also got out of the car and, imitating Chen Jiazhi, gazed at the city in the distance.

"The weather is terrible."

"It's because of the terrible environment."

"Hmm~" Xue Jun asked, "Do you know what Li Cai said about Huacheng's weather?"

Chen Jiazhi turned to look at him.

"A single breath of air is equivalent to half a pack of cigarettes." Xue Jun chuckled. "That's why he always wants to go to the countryside."

Chen Jiazhi felt that these words were directed at him. No one wanted to go to the countryside more than him, as the smog in the city was getting worse and worse.

Especially after this trip to Fengyunling and Paitan, I didn't want to stay in the city for even a day.

After thinking for a moment, Chen Jiazhi said, "It seems we need to find some time to organize the employees to relax. Staying in the city all the time will cause problems even if there aren't any."

After pausing for a moment, the two went back into the hotel and met Xu Wenxiang in the lobby.

She was still dressed in white, exuding elegance and grace.

"Mr. Chen, please sit down and have some tea. Mr. Huang will be arriving later."

"Alright." Chen Jiazhi looked around at the people in the hall. "Business is pretty good, Mr. Xu."

Xu Wenxiang smiled and said, "Tomorrow is May Day. My business is only so-so, not as good as Mr. Chen's success."

Chen Jiazhi found a chair and sat down, saying, "I'm not smug at all. I've been running the vegetable business with utmost care and caution." Xu Wenxiang smiled again, seemingly in a good mood, "I'd admit you're diligent, but I really don't see any 'walking on thin ice' in your words. You're more like ambitious."

"It's just a few ideas."

“That’s quite an idea.” Xu Wenxiang waved to Huang Jianyuan as he entered. “But Mr. Huang and I both support Mr. Chen’s idea. Don’t you agree, Mr. Huang?”

"Support, of course I support."

Huang Jianyuan's cheerful voice came through, indicating he was in good spirits.

Before arriving, Chen Jiazhi had spoken with Xu Wenxiang and Huang Jianyuan on the phone. Both of them knew about his plan, but neither of them offered any opinions.

They were just saying they wanted to understand, but now it seems that the two are very satisfied with the operation of Kaopu Fresh.

Huang Jianyuan also sat down, crossing his legs. "President Chen, the company is thriving under your leadership. Not only are our vegetables exported to many countries, but our mustard greens are also quite well-known in the Hong Kong catering industry."

Xu Wenxiang poured him some tea and said, "Not only in Hong Kong, but also in Guangzhou, it's all thanks to President Chen's keen insight in recognizing the potential of mustard greens and daring to invest in promoting them."

Hearing their praise, Chen Jiazhi took a sip of tea with a satisfied smile. "As long as you two don't blame me for delaying the distribution of profits, that's fine."

"Mr. Chen, what are you saying? The company's money has been used to expand production, and every investment has been very effective. Mr. Xu and I are too busy supporting it."

Huang Jianyuan pondered for a moment and said, "For example, when the company wants to build a base in Conghua, General Manager Xu and I will do our best to support it."

Chen Jiazhi was quite surprised that the two didn't care about the profit sharing.

But that's a good thing.

He didn't mention it again.

Xu Wenxiang left quickly because she was busy with hotel matters, so Chen Jiazhi changed the subject to coordinating with the local government.

This is indeed his weakness, while Huang Jianyuan is adept at social maneuvering and is also from Hong Kong, so it would be more advantageous for him to take the lead.

"Mr. Huang, why don't you come to the company for a temporary position and receive a salary?"

"Haha, no need. I have my own business and I'm usually busy. I can only come to a reliable company to help out occasionally."

Huang Jianyuan smiled and waved his hand, feeling a comfortable sense of being recognized.

"Mr. Chen, besides Conghua, do you have any other locations you'd like to visit?"

Chen Jiazhi said, "I have a manager under me who is also trying to get in touch with Zengcheng, but I prefer Conghua."

I talked to him about the reasons.

Huang Jianyuan sipped his tea and pondered for a moment, "So, you mean we should wait for the right price? If Zengcheng offers significantly better policy terms, then we can go to Zengcheng, right?"

In terms of natural endowments, the northern mountainous area of ​​Zengcheng is not much different from Conghua.

Therefore, policy and funding factors are more important.

Chen Jiazhi nodded and said, "Yes."

“Then I understand,” Huang Jianyuan said. “We don’t actually need to rush to finalize the address. We can release the news first and wait for local people to come and attract investment.”

"Mr. Chen, you may not yet realize the power of ten million yuan."

"That's a huge sum of money!"

"Enough to cause fierce competition in many regions."

"If you are willing to invest ten million in Lianzhou, I can guarantee that the local government will provide substantial policy support."

Huang Jianyuan's hometown is Lianzhou, so he naturally hopes that his company can invest in Lianzhou.

Chen Jiazhi pondered for a moment and said, "President Huang, I can promise you that once the Qinglian Class I Highway opens to traffic, the company will increase its investment in Lianzhou."

To be honest, the 300-mu base I just settled in Zengcheng is intended to be planted with late-season cabbage, also known as tall-stemmed cabbage, which you are probably familiar with.

However, leafy vegetables are very demanding in terms of transportation and preservation, and the transportation time to Lianzhou is too long, so it's not suitable for the time being.

Although it was regrettable, Huang Jianyuan could accept this reason; the road to Lianzhou was indeed difficult.

With Huang Jianyuan's advice and suggestions, Chen Jiazhi felt much more at ease and realized the power of ten million.

The company has ten million in cash.

According to Huang Jianyuan, they could have announced an investment of 30 million, or even 50 million, or even more.

Chen Jiazhi couldn't help but wonder, was it possible to get to the Yucai Market in one step?
It should not be.

Currently, neither the Yucai Market nor the Dongsheng Farm has micro-sprinkler irrigation, but in a few years, micro-sprinkler irrigation will become a standard feature in large vegetable markets.

This shows that others also came step by step.

Chen Jiazhi decided to be bold and first announce a total investment of 3000 million.

Let's make the plan longer-term. The first phase investment is 10 million, and the second and third phases are another 20 million. That would be much more reasonable.

After finalizing the strategy, Huang Jianyuan asked with some curiosity, "President Chen, can you be honest with me? Can the company really come up with 1000 million yuan in cash right now, without affecting normal operations?"

“More or less.” Chen Jiazhi pondered, “The company has made a lot of money in the last two or three months, and I’m sure President Huang has heard about it. If we include the broccoli harvest in early May, it’s no problem to allocate 12 million yuan to expand production.”

Huang Jianyuan took a sip of tea to calm his nerves. He was somewhat surprised by Chen Jiazhi's honesty and also regretted selling his shares last year.

This earning power is even stronger than his restaurant business.

(End of this chapter)