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New farmers must engage in rural development through a social enterprise approach, according to Shi Yan, who founded an organic farm in Beijing. She emphasized that ignoring local community needs, farmers’ rights, and ecological conservation hampers the ability to establish a sustainable presence in rural areas.
The essence of rural revitalization requires farmers to move beyond solely chasing profits. Instead, they should focus on creating diverse, mutually beneficial systems that prioritize environmental health, safeguard farmers’ interests, and support workforce growth. This perspective underscores the increasing importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles in China’s rural economy and sustainable development initiatives.
Addressing the gap between small farmers and modern markets, Shi pointed out that farmers are often scattered, while contemporary markets tend to be highly organized. She believes that new farmers can play a crucial role in bridging this divide by encouraging more organization within farming communities and facilitating access to larger markets.
“Dispersed small farmers frequently face information gaps when connecting with mainstream markets, and their products often cannot directly reach big supermarkets,” Shi explained. She highlighted that the community of new farmers can leverage its unique position to serve as a communication link between small producers and major markets.
The company she founded joined a global sustainability initiative in 2024. It operates across various sectors, including ecological agriculture—combining crop farming with animal husbandry—as well as bread production and educational services. This makes it a comprehensive enterprise that spans agriculture, industry, and services.
Shi shared that her company refuses to use chemical pesticides or fertilizers. Instead, it follows an organic farming philosophy, employing ecological technologies like microbial solutions and biodegradable films to improve soil quality. These methods help maintain the natural integrity of agricultural products and protect soil fertility over the long term.
Furthermore, her company’s orchards do not apply herbicides. Instead, they allow weeds to serve as habitats for insects and tend to ecosystems that help naturally sustain soil moisture and water retention. “Weed growth embodies the value of nature and demonstrates natural resilience,” she stated.
The practices championed by Shi and her company serve as a compelling example of how ESG principles can be put into action. By harmonizing economic growth with environmental care and social responsibility, this model not only revitalizes China’s rural economy but also offers a sustainable development pathway for young rural residents.
This interview is part of a series focused on sustainable development leadership, organized jointly by a global corporate responsibility initiative, a regional association, and a financial media group. The series features conversations with 20 Chinese entrepreneurs, exploring their insights and achievements in sustainability, ESG efforts, and corporate social responsibility through interviews and site visits.
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