​'Gu Sister' leads successful cooperative in Shandong

Wang Fenghua (in red vest), along with fellow members of her cooperative, inspect seedlings in the wheat fields of Yanggu county. [Photo by Shang He for chinadaily.com.cn]

Wang Fenghua, also known as "Gu Sister", is the driving force behind the thriving Yanggu Fenghua Grain Planting Cooperative in Zhaowa village, Yanggu county, Shandong province.

At the age of 55, Wang proudly cultivates purple wheat, a variety rich in anthocyanins that commands a higher market price than regular wheat.

Wang's journey began in the 1990s when Zhaowa village faced economic challenges due to the departure of many young residents seeking work elsewhere. Determined to change the village's fate, Wang established a grain cooperative and pursued large-scale cultivation by leasing land.

Her unwavering dedication inspired villagers, who eagerly joined the cooperative. The Yanggu Fenghua Grain Planting Cooperative was officially established on June 12, 2012, marking a new chapter of growth and prosperity.

Wang Fenghua (in red vest) promotes her village's products via livestreaming. [Photo by Shang He for chinadaily.com.cn]

Through the training for new professional farmers, Wang has learned the importance of value-added processing. The cooperative has registered the trademark "Gu Sister", obtained a "green food" certification, and established a quality and safety traceability system for its purple wheat base. It also introduced stone mills to process purple wheat into flour and noodles, creating a popular local brand.

Wang also prioritized employment opportunities for rural women and has worked to address their struggles. Today, the Fenghua Cooperative stands as a hub of innovation and dedication, rewarding Wang for her hard work. (Edited by Jiang Ting)