1994: Vegetable farmers strike back

Chapter 468 Strict Standards

Spinach is one of the most imported vegetables in Japan, but domestic production now accounts for a large market share.

However, it now faces a severe challenge from Shandong spinach.

In Japan, agricultural cooperatives hold a high status due to their voting power, and the ruling party takes the voices of farmers very seriously.

As a result, it is indeed very likely that some unconventional measures will be taken.

It is almost certain that what Oshima Yu said about targeting pesticide residues of cypermethrin is true.

Cypermethrin insecticides are widely used in spinach cultivation.

According to Chen Jiazhi, Sumitomo Chemical of Japan is also one of the major manufacturers. It may sound a bit far-fetched, but it is very likely that this is the case.

It was late at night when I left the White Swan Hotel. It had rained briefly during the night, and the air was quite cool.

Chen Jiazhi told Fang Xuelin and Chen Zhengxu, "Don't tell anyone about what happened tonight."

Chen Zhengxu nodded, and Fang Xuelin asked, "How should we handle the matter of cypermethrin? We're using it too."

Chen Jiazhi pondered for a moment and said, "Although the quality standard system has only been officially implemented for a month, preparations were made before implementation. It's time to test the results of the technical department. Next, we can appropriately reduce the proportion of cypermethrin used."

During my inspections, I also mention this matter to the farm managers.

However, we cannot lose sight of other aspects. The desired outcome is to use a variety of pesticides in rotation and rely on a comprehensive plant protection and control system to reduce pesticide residues.

Fang Xuelin said, "I understand."

The "Reliable Fresh Vegetable Enterprise Standard", "Reliable Fresh Base Planting Guide", and "Reliable Fresh Green Organic Cultivation Model" clearly stipulate the planting model and planting standards.

There is also a comprehensive and effective plant protection and control system for green and organic agricultural products.

This includes selecting superior varieties with strong resistance;
Establish a virus-free original seed breeding base;

Investigate and clarify the main pest and disease forecasting system for the base;

Promote the use of insect-proof nets and take advantage of the phototaxis and repellency of certain pests by using technologies such as black light lamps, frequency-vibration insecticidal lamps, and yellow sticky boards to repel or lure and kill pests.

From site selection, land preparation, and sowing to field management and product harvesting, the base strictly adheres to production standards at every step, implementing unified seed supply, unified fertilizer supply, unified pesticide supply, unified technical guidance, and unified testing to ensure pollution-free monitoring of the products throughout the entire process.

Of course, this is the ultimate goal. At present, although Kaopu Fresh has "deep internal strength", it cannot be called a top expert.

That's enough to deal with the current situation.

...

It rained in the middle of the night, but as the sun rose and the asphalt road became scorching hot again, Chen Jiazhi and Li Xiu arrived at Xiaolou Town.

It was summer vacation, and when the Cherokee stopped by the roadside, Yi Long and Yi Hu, who were playing marbles in the yard, didn't react at first.

"DouDou, Little Dragon and Little Tiger~"

"Uncle and Aunt, is this your new car?"

Chen Jiazhi patted the hood of the car; it was a little hot to the touch. He asked, "How is it? Is it alright?"

The two brothers came over and looked him up and down. Chen Jiazhi even picked up his son and helped him stand on the hood of the car.

Hearing the commotion, Peng Guozhen and Chen Shaochang also came out, equally astonished.

Chen Jiazhi asked, "How's your packing going? We're going to the city tomorrow!"

Peng Guozhen said, "I've been waiting for you to come back. Your second sister even went out of her way to buy a big rooster. I heard she raised it for two and a half years and it's grown very strong. She's just waiting to use it to ward off evil spirits when you come back."

Chen Jiazhi had already seen the rooster placed in the corner. It had a large comb and full feathers, and it was indeed a rooster that had been raised for two and a half years.

"I'll do the killing."

"Okay, killing him is perfect for lunch."

Chicken Bro was still clucking as Chen Jiazhi approached, and he trembled a little.

However, Chen Jiazhi's knife was fast enough to give the chicken a quick death. He dripped some blood around the front and back of the car, then plucked the chicken feathers and stuck them on the license plate, thus completing the ritual to sacrifice the car.

Peng Guozhen and Chen Shaochang both stared intently. Was this skilled chicken-killing technique the same person who used to hold chickens and forbid them from killing them when they were children?
After killing the chicken and boiling the water, Chen Jiazhi didn't participate in plucking the feathers anymore.

Instead, they prepared to go to the fields.

Dou Dou wanted to go with him, but Chen Jiazhi wouldn't let her, saying, "You stay at home. The sun is strong now, and you'll get so tanned you'll turn into a little black bean."

DouDou poked her hand and said softly, "I want to play with Daddy."

After not seeing his son for a while, Chen Jiazhi felt that his son had become more obedient. He looked at the sun and saw that it was indeed quite sunny, and guessed that the market would be closing soon.

"Never mind, let's not go. Dad will play with you. What do you want to play?"

"Playing with cars."

"Good~"

Chen Jiazhi went inside and started playing with toy cars with him, and Yi Long and Yi Hu followed him in.

While playing, Chen Jiazhi also asked about the two of them. They should both be in the second year of junior high school in the fall. It would be stressful for them to transfer to a school in the city at this time. They have maintained their study habits.

But having fun is also part of one's nature.

Besides studying, Yi Long and Yi Hu also occasionally play online games, and they get addicted to them. They said they've been beaten up quite a few times.

At the same time, self-studying computer technology is still quite difficult.

Chen Jiazhi said, "Once you get to the city, you can first go to the Youth Science Station to learn some basic computer knowledge. You can also go to learn on Saturdays and Sundays."

But the main focus is still the high school entrance exam. Get into a good high school first; you don't want your parents to spend money again to buy a place, do you?

"Yeah, we don't want to spend money either."

"too expensive."

Chen Jiazhi is only 9 years older than Yi Long and 10 years older than Yi Hu. The two brothers have been his shadows since childhood, and sometimes communication with them is much smoother than with Yi Dinggan.

After playing for a while, Chen Jiafang went home, but Yi Dinggan didn't come back; he was working on documents in the office.

It wasn't until it was time to eat that Yi Long rode his bike to call him home for dinner.

With the recent sunshine, Yi Dinggan and Chen Jiafang's skin has gotten a bit darker, and they look somewhat haggard, like vegetables that have wilted in the sun.

Growing vegetables in the summer is indeed hard work.

At noon, Chen Jiazhi opened a bottle of Wuliangye he had brought back from the city and drank some with Yi Dinggan and his parents.

While Yi Dinggan and his second sister were taking a nap, he went to his office alone again.

Yi Dinggan had prepared recent data in advance, including vegetable production records, agricultural records, and even a separate plant protection record.

These will also be useful for various subsequent certifications.

The information is correct.

However, we still need to see the on-site situation and the final test results for pesticide residues and antibiotics.

The testing equipment was not in Zengcheng, but at Jiangxin Market in Panyu.

Around 2 p.m., during the hottest time of the day, Fang Xuelin arrived at Heli Farm with Hong Zhong and Fang Shaohua.

Hong Zhong's belly had become slightly fuller. "Boss Chen, it's been a long time since I've seen you. You're still as handsome as ever."

Chen Jiazhi laughed and said, "Boss Hong looks even more prosperous now. Come, everyone, have a seat. Hey, Xiao Yang, make two cups of tea."

After Hong Zhong sat down, he said, "Sigh, it's all because of drinking. Friendship Agricultural Supplies' sales volume is getting bigger and bigger. If you want to get good products from the manufacturer, you have to drink."

In the past two years, the self-sufficiency rate of domestic fertilizers and pesticides has increased significantly, and their prices have actually become cheaper.

However, the main distribution channels still rely on supply and marketing cooperatives, so Hongzhong really has to put in a lot of effort to get the goods.

This is also a crucial part of the reliable supply of seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides by Fresh Produce. Hong Zhonglai's visit this time was also about the supply of fertilizers and pesticides, which is a huge order for Friendship Agricultural Supplies.

Fang Shaohua came specifically from the Fanrong Market. He met with Oshima Yu in the morning and will participate in the subsequent certification work related to exports to Japan.

At this moment, Fang Xuelin, Fang Shaohua, and He Yan, the full-time plant protection officer of Heli Farm, reviewed the implementation of the farm's quality standard system.

Around four o'clock, the group, wearing straw hats, drove to the first, second, and third fields to inspect, collect samples, and supervise.

Superficially, the improvement in recent months is quite obvious.

The use of pesticides and fertilizers is not only more standardized, but also more detailed in its records, and the management of pesticides and other supplies in the warehouse is more orderly.

However, the final result still depends on the test data. If the data does not meet the standards, no matter how well the superficial work is done, it will be useless.

Chen Jiazhi also briefly explained to Yi Dinggan, Guo Mancang, Wei Liangcai, and Wu Yong the reasons for controlling the use of cypermethrin pesticides.

Fang Xuelin also gave instructions to the three plant protection officers to ensure that pesticide residues of this type of drug could be reduced to an even lower level.

The next morning, Fang Xuelin and others went to Jiangxin Vegetable Market first.

Chen Jiazhi then organized a meeting with Yi Dinggan and the three farm managers and other key management personnel.

The core issue is only one: to continue expanding the scale of leafy vegetable cultivation.

At present, Heli Farm has 2500 mu of leafy vegetable base and 1500 mu of rice fields that have just been harvested. The rice fields are intended to be used to grow late-season Chinese cabbage.

However, this year there is no need to prepare the land, so we can plant a batch of Sijiu Heart or other leafy vegetables in advance.

This can make up for some of the supply shortage.

But we also need to consider next year, especially now that we have information that Japan wants to target China's leafy vegetable exports on the grounds of cypermethrin pesticide residues.

This could be a disaster for other companies, but it could be an excellent opportunity for Kaopu Fresh.

Therefore, the more subsequent supplies, the better.

Yi Dinggan and his team are now aware of this information. Although they still have doubts, they'll do it if the boss wants to.

"Boss, could the export base also try cooperating with farmers?"

Wei Liangcai proposed this idea.

Chen Jiazhi pondered for a moment and said, "Compared to leasing, cooperation is actually not conducive to our quality management. We may be able to try it this year, but in the future we will definitely prefer to have our own base."

"I understand."

“Okay, no problem, we can start acquiring the land next.”

Chen Jiazhi did not set a specific expansion area; 500 mu would not be too little, and 1000 mu would not be too much.

It was almost noon after the meeting ended.

Chen Jiazhi and Yi Dinggan walked home. After dinner, he would return to the city. On the way, Chen Jiazhi told Yi Dinggan about sending his two nephews to the juvenile science station to learn computers.

"Okay, let me know how much it will cost later."

“You don’t need this money,” Chen Jiazhi said. “I’m telling you this so you won’t worry about the two of them. Besides your parents, I’ll also help look after them.”

"Hey, I'm completely at ease."

"Keep pretending. The person who cries the most in this yard isn't DouDou, it's you."

Yi Dinggan wanted to retort, but Chen Jiazhi immediately said, "I took pictures and recorded you crying inside the house the day we looked at it!"

"you……"

Yi Dinggan was taken aback. He was over forty years old, and of course he knew what he was like when he was drunk. It wasn't the first time he had made a fool of himself in front of Jia Zhi, but he didn't expect people to be so shameless. If this was photographed, it would be difficult to deal with.

He quickened his pace toward home, then turned back when he was almost there.

"There was too much rain on this batch of lettuce. Even after turning it over and pressing it down, we couldn't control the pests and diseases. We also had to control the use of pesticides, so there was basically no harvest."

"I see. With more attempts, we should be able to see results after September or October."

Growing lettuce in hot and humid weather is indeed difficult. Although Dali lettuce is a semi-heading, upright lettuce variety and has a turning and shaping technique, it is perfectly normal that it cannot withstand the weather in Guangdong in August.

Go home, eat, and pack your things.

When they were about to leave for the city, Chen Jiafang called out several times, but Yi Dinggan did not come out, using the excuse of taking a nap.

Chen Jiafang said unhappily, "He must have heard it. His son is leaving and he didn't even come out to see him off."

Chen Jiazhi joked, "Maybe he's afraid others will see him cry."

This made everyone laugh.

The time she hid in the new house and cried, she certainly left a deep impression on people.

Yi Long, carrying his schoolbag, waved and said, "Alright, Mom, you should go back and get some sleep too. You have to go to work later."

Yi Hu also said, "Mom, I'll call you when we arrive. You can go back now."

Peng Guozhen also said a few words of farewell before the group set off.

In addition to the Cherokee, a van was also arranged from the base, so there was still plenty of room.

After arriving in the city and putting their things down, Chen Jiazhi first took the two brothers to the juvenile science station to register before returning home to get ready.

The next morning, Chen Jiazhi rushed to Jiangxin Vegetable Market again.

At this time, the data on pesticide residues and antibiotics in the leafy vegetables from Heli Farm also came out.

The testing center was right next to the office building; it was a white building. Fang Xuelin took a document from a lab technician in work clothes and handed it to Chen Jiazhi.

"Boss, the results are great. All of them are significantly lower than the national standards, and the tested items are basically in line with the Japanese standards."

Chen Jiazhi took the document and began to read it; he had recently learned some related knowledge.

In the national standard for pesticide residues in leafy vegetables, the maximum residue limit for cypermethrin is 0.2 ppm. ppm represents parts per million, meaning the maximum residue limit for cypermethrin in 1 kg of vegetables is 0.2 mg.

However, this is for adults. For sensitive groups such as infants, toddlers, and pregnant women, the standards are even stricter.

Japan currently uses the same standard.

But based on what we know now, Japan will make adjustments soon.

The content detected at Heli Farm is approximately 0.02 ppm, which is about one-tenth of the national standard.

Other residues, such as organophosphates, are basically zero because FreshLife has banned the use of such pesticides, and the national standard is 0.2 ppm.

The residue levels of other commonly used pesticides are also far below the national standards.

This also proves that the work done in the previous months was very effective.

Fang Xuelin and the staff at the testing center observed the boss's expression. He first nodded, then shook his head slightly, leaving them puzzled.

"Boss, is there a problem?"

“It needs to be reduced even further.” Chen Jiazhi looked at the group and said, “Cypermethrin should ideally be reduced to below 0.01 ppm.”

Fang Xuelin gasped as if he had a toothache, "Would the Japanese really go this far?"

"This is our own requirement for ourselves, and has nothing to do with the Japanese devils."

If we can control the concentration to 0.02 ppm during the summer when pests and diseases are prevalent, wouldn't it be a piece of cake to keep it below 0.01 ppm in autumn and winter with a little adjustment?

Chen Jiazhi recalls that about ten years later, when leafy vegetables were to be exported to Japan, there were no specific regulations on the testing items for the indicators. All indicators had to be below 0.01 ppm, which was a one-size-fits-all approach.

He didn't know the specific evolution process during those ten years, but targeting 0.01 ppm was certainly not wrong.

Fang Xuelin and others felt that the boss was too strict; this was only one-twentieth of the national standard.

(End of this chapter)