Developing eco-organic agriculture: Dalian sees the rise of the membership-based agricultural produce sales model

A new sales method for agricultural produce, which delivers organic vegetables directly to residents“ homes, is emerging in our city. Yesterday, reporters at the Dalian Tianzu Modern Demonstration Farm in Gelu Village, Dazheng Town, Zhuanghe, saw staff members packing bok choy, celery, lettuce, and other vegetables into boxes. A little over an hour later, these boxes, weighing about 15 jin and filled with organic vegetables, would appear in members” homes.

According to Sui Yunping, General Manager of the Dalian Tianzu Modern Demonstration Farm, the entire farm covers an area of 3,200 mu with an investment of 28 million yuan. It produces in accordance with organic product standards and has obtained FOFCC organic certification. Currently, the farm produces 10 varieties of vegetables, including garland chrysanthemum, rapeseed, bitter lettuce, and radishes. As the seasons change, sweet potatoes, peanuts, soybeans, green beans, as well as eggs and meat will be added, bringing the total number of varieties to 38. The farm regularly dispatches dedicated vehicles to deliver the vegetables to members' homes based on their needs.

Sui Yunping stated that although the 30,000-yuan membership card carries a hefty price tag, sales momentum is strong. Yesterday alone, over 240 boxes were delivered. Currently, the farm is still in its trial operation phase. After its official launch on 1 May, the number of members is expected to exceed 1,000. Regarding how to ensure safety during the vegetable production process, Sui Yunping mentioned that the next step will be to install video monitoring systems inside the greenhouses connected to the internet, allowing members to turn on their computers at home and watch how the vegetables they eat are produced.