Shandong county braises mutton soup into specialty industry

Shanxian county in Shandong province, famed for its historical and flavorful mutton soup, has in recent years prioritized industrialization and branding efforts for the traditional dish. By strategically connecting governmental, financial, and societal resources, Shanxian county has pioneered a new financing model, expediting industrial growth.

Last year, the county secured a supporting fund of 1.3 billion yuan ($180 million) from diverse sources. Also in 2023, Shanxian mutton soup brand chain stores exceeded 1,500, contributing to the overall value of the industrial chain, which surged to 9 billion yuan, marking a 20 percent year-on-year growth.

A promotional poster for Shanxian county mutton soup. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Shanxian county has been harnessing the pivotal role of policy funds in financial investment. In 2023, the county allocated 150 million yuan of social capital to establish seven large-scale and high-standard goat farms, each with a capacity of 100,000 goats, fostering a cohort of households engaged in large-scale production. Additionally, the county introduced favorable policies for goat breeding and outlined plans to establish a foundation for the mutton soup industry. These measures have provided robust support for the burgeoning sector.

To meet the financing guarantee needs of both upstream and downstream firms, Shanxian county has offered guaranteed loans totaling 13 million yuan since July 2023. Additionally, to alleviate the financial burden on breeding businesses, the county has implemented an interest subsidy policy, providing 23.4 million yuan in loans and 240,000 yuan in interest subsidies to 26 businesses. Moreover, to strengthen farmers' resilience against risks, the county has established a long-term policy-oriented agricultural insurance mechanism tailored to local conditions.

Furthermore, by establishing an industrial park, prioritizing scientific technology, and cultivating leading enterprises, Shanxian county has promoted comprehensive industrial chain development, enhanced industrial capacity, and enlarged industrial scale. (Edited by Zhang Ying)

A bird's-eye view of the Breeding and Genetic Improvement Demonstration Base for goats in Shanxian county. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]