Model worker puts skills to good use opening markets for poor farmers

Having worked with agricultural products her whole life, Qiu Yinfang was recognized recently as a national model worker by the All-China Federation of Trade Unions. The honor resulted in her third visit to the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Nov 24.

A junior-high graduate, Qiu was employed by a vegetable company sponsored by the local government in Ninghai, Zhejiang province in 1985. Working as a clerk and cashier in outlet stores, she was highly valued by her company.

"I still vividly remember the summer of 1988, when the store was flooded. With other colleagues, I worked day and night to reopen it, making sure local residents had fresh vegetables to eat," Qiu recalled.

After 14 years with the company, she became its vice-manager in 1998. The local government reached out to her to help with the construction of a vegetable market.

"Many vendors were not willing to move into the market for many reasons, including the rental fees and unfamiliarity with the management of the market," Qiu said. "I talked with them one by one, listing the benefits of doing business inside."

As it turned out, the market later played a vital role for local farmers.

In 2004, typhoon Rananim hit Ninghai, and sales channels for 700 hectares of local pears were cut off. Upon learning the news, Qiu went to the orchard directly and organized the farmers. Good pears were transported to the market.

A trademark is a useful tool, Qiu often tells farmers. Through her efforts, local white loquat, juicy peaches and crispy pears become famous nationwide.

The sales value of the vegetable market also expanded from 20 million yuan ($3.1 million) in the 1990s to 1 bllion yuan after 2010.

"I was born and raised by farmers. My parents and many friends are farmers," Qiu said. "I have a strong attachment to the land and agricultural products."

It is her passion and mission to help local farmers and discover more high quality agricultural products.