Suizhong County in Liaoning Province, known as the "Apple County" with over a thousand years of cultivation history, boasts approximately 500,000 mu of apple orchards and an annual output exceeding 700,000 tons. The apple industry has become a robust engine for the county's economic development and a core pillar for hundreds of thousands of farmers to increase their income. However, the journey hasn't been smooth—from struggling with "selling by the basket" due to a lack of brand recognition to today's thriving "selling by the piece" model, Suizhong has undergone a remarkable transformation in its apple industry.
**The Value Leap of an Apple** Located at the "golden latitude belt" of fruit production at 40 degrees north latitude, Suizhong enjoys a semi-humid continental monsoon climate with an average annual temperature of 10.2°C. Its distinct seasons, abundant sunlight, and significant day-night temperature differences make it an ideal place for high-quality apples. Yet, for years, the lack of brand influence and market recognition meant premium apples often ended up rebranded under more famous labels, selling at double the price elsewhere.
To address this, Suizhong County prioritized high-quality agriculture and a strong branding strategy, shifting focus from quantity to quality and value. The Qian Suo Fruit Tree Farm, a leader in this transformation, reduced chemical fertilizers and pesticides, increased organic fertilization, and adopted crop rotation to restore soil health. Collaborating with the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, the farm introduced advanced techniques like thinning blossoms and biological pest control, aiming to produce premium apples.
These efforts paid off: the farm earned recognition as a national green fruit production and export base, with nine varieties, including Red Fuji and Jonagold, receiving green certification. Red Fuji apples even won a gold medal at the China Green Food Expo. Today, Suizhong apples command prices comparable to those from Shandong and Shaanxi, with premium varieties selling for up to 20 yuan per piece in Southeast Asian markets.
**Modernizing Orchards** At Xixi Ecological Fruit Co., Ltd., a 400-mu orchard showcases cutting-edge practices like dwarf dense planting, with trees spaced uniformly and managed via smart systems. Drip irrigation, anti-hail nets, soil sensors, and drones enable precise farming, reducing labor costs and boosting efficiency. Though still in early stages, the orchard's trial batches have attracted interest from major retailers, prompting expansion plans.
Suizhong County has established 108 pilot demonstration orchards and 25 modern high-standard zones, promoting soil testing and advanced techniques across 286 villages to elevate overall production standards.
**Extending the Industry Chain** Historically, Suizhong farmers faced volatile sales, with profits hinging on market conditions. To mitigate risks, the county expanded into processing, storage, logistics, and e-commerce. At Qi Yu Agricultural Products Co., apples undergo high-tech sorting by size, weight, sugar content, and acidity, ensuring uniformity for premium pricing. Meanwhile, substandard apples are processed into juice, with plans for dried fruit, jam, canned products, and cider, forming a comprehensive industrial chain from farm to table.
This evolution—from bulk sales to branded, high-value products—illustrates Suizhong's successful apple industry upgrade, turning a regional crop into a globally competitive brand.
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