1994: Vegetable farmers strike back

Chapter 475 The Wind Rises
A meeting about vegetables is being held at the Huacheng City Government.

The meeting was chaired by Chen Guanye, who has also served as the leader of the Huacheng City Vegetable Leading Group.

When things are peaceful, everything is calm; when trouble arises, he's the one who has to step in.

Recently, the controversy surrounding pesticide residues in leafy vegetables has resurfaced, coupled with constant news reports of low vegetable prices hurting farmers, forcing him to convene a meeting.

Chen Guanye sat down in the head seat and then asked each department to begin their presentations.

The problem of pesticide residues in leafy vegetables has a long history.

However, Huacheng has been carrying out the construction of a pollution-free vegetable city for two years and has achieved remarkable results.

Although there are occasionally some cases that slip through the net, overall, the problem of pesticide residues in vegetables has improved significantly.

This recent trend has gone a bit too far.

This was also the consensus among the participants.

"This is a long-planned conspiracy by Japan to target China's leafy vegetable exports, with the aim of restricting domestic leafy vegetable exports."

"Currently, many vegetable markets and vegetable bases in the city have been affected. Whether it is state-owned farms or joint ventures and Hong Kong-funded enterprises such as Congyu, Hexing, and Dongsheng, they have all suffered heavy losses."

Chen Guanye waved his hand and said, "The Ministry of Agriculture and other relevant departments are already handling the trade-related issues."

What we need to do is eliminate the negative impact as soon as possible, reassure citizens that they can eat vegetables with peace of mind, and solve the current problem of large-scale unsold produce.

After a pause, Chen Guanye looked at He Chengping, who was attending the meeting.

"Mr. He, has the business of the vegetable and fruit company been affected?"

"Sigh, it's tough, boss," He Chengping said. "From wholesale to retail, every link is losing money."

Many vendors at Yuexiu Market are continuing to operate at a loss, and they are increasing their efforts to sell vegetables, but the supply of vegetables is still not decreasing, and a lot of vegetables are being thrown away every day.

Retail vegetable shops are also doing poorly, and vegetable vendors are going door-to-door in the streets and alleys.

They have no taxes or labor costs, so they sell at extremely low prices, making it impossible for vegetable shops to compete.

If this continues, the funding gap will only widen, and more and more vegetable shops will go out of business.

This is a problem that is currently unsolvable, involving the reform of state-owned enterprises. Chen Guanye did not discuss it in detail, but simply asked He Chengping to continue to make good use of the wholesale market.

Chen Guanye then called out the name of the director of the Agriculture Bureau.

"The most effective way is to reduce production capacity. This year, the planting area has increased too quickly, and the supply is far greater than the market demand. Exports have also been blocked, which has led to the current oversupply."

The bureau will then issue a notice warning against further expansion of vegetable planting areas.

Chen Guanye nodded slightly; it was a somewhat useful method.

The meeting continued, with various departments speaking in turn and proposing solutions to mitigate the impact of public opinion and promote vegetable sales.

All I can say is that we are trying our best to solve it.

After the meeting, Chen Guanye remembered Kaopu Fresh on his way back to his office.

He asked his secretary, Kang Ming, "How is Heli Agriculture in Zengcheng doing? Has it been affected?"

Heli Agriculture has a 'poverty alleviation' nature, involving a wide range of areas and many farmers. The city has also provided supporting projects. If unsold goods also occur, the impact will be significant.

Moreover, Chen Guanye is counting on Kaopu Fresh to participate more in poverty alleviation projects, which is essential because money is required.

Kang Ming said, "I haven't really looked into this in the last few days. I'll call and ask right away."

Chen Guanye thought for a moment and said, "Come to my office to make the call, I want to hear what he has to say."

"Row."

After arriving at the office, Kang Ming dialed a number. It took a while for the call to be answered, and the sound was a bit noisy. It took a moment for him to hear the words clearly.

"Hello, Secretary Kang."

"Mr. Chen, I heard you clearly." Kang Ming said in a deep voice, "The leadership is very concerned about the situation of Heli Agriculture. How has business been lately?"

"It's okay."

Kang Ming glanced at Chen Guanye, who gestured for him to continue asking questions. Kang Ming then said, "Is that so? The news about the obstruction of leafy vegetable exports to Japan has been spreading recently, and the oversupply of leafy vegetables in Huacheng is also quite serious. The leaders were just worried about Heli Agriculture, after all, your area is large, and you also have leafy vegetable bases in Panyu and Shanghai. They were afraid that your sales would be unfavorable."

"Thank you for your concern, leaders. Heli Agriculture's operations are very healthy."

"Oh, that's good, that's good."

Kang Ming is a little stuck. Everyone else is on the verge of death, but you are still healthy. Shouldn't you complain to your boss?
Chen Guanye also frowned slightly, sensing that something was wrong.

After thinking for a while, Kang Ming asked again, "Mr. Chen, how much are your vegetables?"

"Recently, Heli Agriculture has been doing a lot of export business, and sales are pretty good."

"To Southeast Asia?"

"No, we sell them to Japan."

"To Japan?!" Kang Ming raised his voice, having just mentioned that leafy vegetable exports to Japan were being blocked!
"Yes, you little Japanese!"

With a slightly flippant tone, Chen Guanye leaned close to the phone, listening intently.

Kang Ming then asked, "Japan just revised its Food Sanitation Law, raising the standards for pesticide residue testing. How did you pass the review?"

"It was approved directly."

"What do you mean?"

Kang Ming could sense that the other side was probably very busy, and he could occasionally hear noises coming from them, but he was just too curious.

Perhaps sensing the change in his tone, Mr. Chen moved to a different position, making his voice clearer.

"Boss, I know that the Japanese deliberately lowered the residue limit of cypermethrin pesticides, but it has no impact on Kaopu Fresh. The pesticide residue of my vegetables has always been below the revised standard."

Moreover, we already obtained the relevant certifications in Japan, and have passed several random inspections. Vegetable prices in Japan have skyrocketed because of this, causing widespread public discontent. They have no reason to prevent a qualified company like ours from passing customs!

Kang Ming understood.

Chen Guanye understood.

Just as he said, it went through directly without any twists and turns.

But that's precisely why it's so surprising and astonishing. So, even though Japan is targeting them, there's still one fish that slipped through the net and is making a fortune in silence.
Worry for nothing.

"Have him come to my office."

"Mr. Chen, the boss wants you to come here."

"I heard."

...

Chen Jiazhi was also startled by Chen Daguan's voice. He happened to be in the Yuexiu store, and today was the day the fruit store reopened after the renovation.

With its bright decor, diverse menu, elegant presentation, and special offers, the restaurant attracted a large number of customers after opening.

Chen Jiazhi received Kang Ming's call while helping to greet customers.

At that moment, he could only say hello to Xue Jun and then head to the municipal government, which was very close, just a few minutes' drive away.

This was his first time visiting the municipal government.

The city hall building has a rich history and appears understated and unassuming.

Chen Jiazhi entered through a side door, made a phone call, and then, guided by the directions, arrived at Chen Guanye's office.

He looked it over and found nothing particularly special except that it was relatively spacious.

Chen Guanye was working at a mahogany table when he heard the noise. He pointed to a chair and said, "Sit down."

Chen Jiazhi didn't sit down. "Is there anything you need, sir?"

Chen Guanye glanced at him and said, "Sit down and talk. There's nothing much to say, just a casual chat. Kang Ming, make some tea for Mr. Chen."

"it is good."

Chen Jiazhi then sat down in a very natural and unpretentious manner.

Chen Guanye had calmed down by now and asked, "How many vegetables can Heli Agriculture export to Japan per day?"

"It's only around 100 tons."

"100 tons?!" Chen Guanye exclaimed in surprise, "How many vegetables does Heli Agriculture produce a day now?"

Chen Jiazhi said, "It's around 170 tons, with 70 tons mainly supplied to Hong Kong and the mainland." "No wonder you said the business is doing so well," Chen Guanye said, staring intently at Chen Jiazhi. "You're quietly making a fortune!"

At this moment, Kang Ming placed the brewed tea on the table, and Chen Jiazhi gently tapped the table with his fingers.

"It's actually been very difficult. To control pesticide residues, Kaopu Fresh has paid a heavy price this year. In the summer, due to the reduction in pesticide use, dozens or even hundreds of acres of vegetable fields are often destroyed overnight..."

Chen Jiazhi recounted his story in a gentle and detailed manner, imbuing it with genuine emotion.

Chen Guanye and Kang Ming were also deeply moved, realizing that not everyone has this kind of determination and perseverance.

Kaopu Fresh has put in the effort, and its current success is merely a result of chance.

"So, besides Heli Farm, Fanrong Vegetable Market and Jiangxin Vegetable Market are also maintaining exports to Japan?"

"Ah."

Chen Guanye didn't press the matter further; he had learned enough.

Kaopu Fresh is quietly making a fortune.

This is also good news for him.

"Mr. Chen, would you be interested in an interview?"

"Forget it, it's just selling vegetables, it's not a big deal." Chen Jiazhi still wanted to keep a low profile.

Chen Guanye pondered for a moment and said, "Then let's not show our faces, but report on the reliable fresh produce export."

The city needs this good news to boost confidence, and it's also a significant achievement in building a city of pollution-free vegetables.

"it is good."

Huacheng was the first city in the country to call for building a pollution-free vegetable city, a policy spearheaded by Chen Guanye.

The fact that Kaopu Fresh was able to obtain export permission from Japan despite being deliberately targeted is a testament to its political achievements.

Chen Jiazhi understood what he meant, thought for a moment, and then said, "Sir, I can provide some data on pesticide residues from Japan, which should be useful."

"Tell me."

"This time, Japan is targeting cypermethrin, and the maximum limit for leafy vegetables is 0.1 ppm."

However, in Japan, this standard is much more lenient. For example, the limit is 2 ppm for rapeseed, 1 ppm for cabbage and round cabbage, 0.5 ppm for tomatoes, and even 3 ppm for root vegetables like radishes.

In contrast, Japan's standards for pesticide residues in its domestic system are extremely stringent and unreasonable.

If the vegetables grown domestically are considered poisonous, then wouldn't the radishes consumed in Japan, with pesticide residues reaching 3 ppm, be considered highly poisonous?

After Chen Jiazhi explained the meaning of ppm, Chen Guanye and Kang Ming truly felt the difference in treatment.

"Mr. Chen is indeed a professional. No wonder Kaopu Fresh is able to make a fortune quietly!"

"Hey, this is all I make a living from."

...

after one day.

The People's Daily of Huacheng published a special report: [Our city's leafy vegetables are being exported to Japan normally, unaffected by pesticide residue testing]

The article begins by mentioning that Guangzhou proposed two years ago to build the first pollution-free vegetable city in the country.

This leads to the recent incident of "frequent returns of leafy vegetables exported to Japan," which mentions the difference in treatment between Japan and China regarding pesticide residue standards.

The following article devoted a large portion to reliable fresh food.

Even under Japan's stringent pesticide residue standards, vegetable companies in Huacheng still maintain strong exports to Japan.

"It is understood that Kaopu Fresh, a leading vegetable enterprise in our city, has established a complete quality standard system and currently maintains an average daily export of more than 150 tons of leafy vegetables to Japan."

At the same time, it is also a key supplier for the city's "vegetable basket" project, with stalls and distribution centers in many places such as Jiangnan Market, Yuexiu Market, and Buji Agricultural Wholesale Market;
They operate multiple retail vegetable stores in the city, providing fresh, organic vegetables to the city's residents..."

In the following sections, the article almost verbatim copied the content of the reliable, fresh, green, and organic agricultural product comprehensive and effective plant protection and control system.

From site selection, land preparation, sowing, field management, and product harvesting, to superior varieties, seedling bases, pest and disease forecasting, insect nets, black light lamps, insecticidal lamps, adhesive boards, and several unified management systems, the entire process of ensuring pollution-free monitoring of the product is ultimately achieved.

This article is written in a grand and exhilarating style, full of pride and inspiration!

After reading it, Chen Jiazhi also shouted, "Well written!"

He didn't know how many people were reading the newspaper at that moment, but he himself felt very energized, like a primary school student who got a perfect score on a test and was praised when he got home.

At that moment, Chen Zhengxu walked in.

"What's wrong, Mr. Chen? I heard you shouting from the stairs, 'It's done! Another new order!'"

Chen Jiazhi handed the newspaper to Chen Zhengxu, saying, "The company has submitted it. Take a look for yourself."

A few minutes later, Chen Zhengxu also clenched his fist in mid-air, "It's really well written!"

Chen Jiazhi had calmed down considerably by this point and pondered, "This article will be seen by many people in the city. There will also be television reports at noon and in the evening. Zhengxu, tell the brothers to get ready."

"Good!" Chen Zhengxu knew what this meant. "We also need to export. Is the base's produce enough?"

Chen Jiazhi said, "The Xuanqiao vegetable market in Pudong New Area and the Pujiang vegetable market in MH District will soon have vegetables on the market. The base has not yet completed customs registration and does not yet meet the conditions for export. We can ship to Huacheng first."

"Okay, I'll make arrangements."

"You contact the delivery company, I'll handle the stall."

With Li Cai gone to Shanghai, Chen Zhengxu will definitely be too busy. With the city's publicity, the business of delivery, stalls, and even a few vegetable shops may change.

Anything can happen next.

Chen Zhengxu stayed in the office to make phone calls, while Chen Jiazhi took a pager and a mobile phone to the rooftop to contact several salespeople at the stall.

Encourage them to pay attention to the news, read newspapers, and watch television to prepare them mentally in advance, and adjust the quantity of goods purchased accordingly.

After finishing the communication, Chen Zhengxu returned to his office and had almost finished contacting all the delivery points.

Chen Jiazhi then called Xuanqiao Vegetable Market, saying, "Have Director Hu answer the phone."

After a short while, Hu Chunmei's panting voice came through, "Boss, what's the matter?"

"Whatever vegetables can be harvested, even if they are small, it doesn't matter."

“That’s a lot,” Hu Chunmei explained. “To save time, I planted a variety of seeds, sowing them as soon as the land was ready.”

Chen Jiazhi said, "It's alright. We'll prepare to harvest the vegetables. We'll harvest whatever we can and send them to Huacheng as soon as possible. If you don't understand anything, ask Ao Dehai."

Hu Chunmei remained calm and asked again, "How many vegetables exactly should we buy?"

Chen Jiazhi said, "Receive them first, we need a lot, be prepared for a long delivery period."

"it is good."

The inability to export to Japan was a bit of a disappointment for Hu Chunmei, but she was also very lucky that the vegetables could be sold as soon as they were harvested.

To boost vegetable sales at Xuanqiao Market and Pujiang Market, the company's cash cows have come to Shanghai.

Now, the problem is solved with just one phone call. As the farm manager, she only needs to grow the vegetables well, and the rest can be left to the boss and the company.

Hu Chunmei is a typical shrew from Sichuan and Chongqing. Her arms are thicker than some men's thighs, but she is very agile and nimble.

She hung up the phone, rode her motorcycle out, and called out the names of the group leaders in her loud voice, which carried far and wide.

"Harvest the vegetables! Get the baskets and harvest the vegetables!"

"Ship the goods to Huacheng!"

"Li Lei, drive the tricycle to the ice factory to buy ice packs. If they don't have ice packs, buy ice cubes!"

"Hurry up!"

"Let's try to ship the goods out tonight!"

Hu Chunmei, as if she had a megaphone, issued commands swiftly and accurately.

There isn't enough skilled workers at the market, so the efficiency of harvesting vegetables may be slow, and we need to make the most of the time.

She hadn't considered that she wouldn't be able to ship the goods today, that there was no cold storage, but that the nearby Pujiang vegetable market was still able to supply vegetables.

She communicated with Huang Shan, who was still hesitant about whether to start collecting today, but Hu Chunmei quickly persuaded him.

If one market can't handle the volume of goods being shipped, then two markets can work together!

(End of this chapter)