“小石榴”撬动“大产业”，枣庄石榴全产业链年产值超42亿元

Core Viewpoint - Shandong Province is enhancing the protection and utilization of its pomegranate genetic resources to support the construction of a beautiful Shandong, focusing on three main areas: genetic resource protection, industry extension, and bonsai brand development [1] Group 1: Genetic Resource Protection - The only national-level pomegranate genetic resource bank in China is located in Zaozhuang City, preserving 523 pomegranate genetic resources, ranking first in the country and among the top in the world [3] - A total of 463 ancient pomegranate trees have been included in the second and third-level protection list, with the oldest tree estimated to be around 490 years old, known locally as the "Pomegranate Empress" [3] - The establishment of the National Pomegranate Engineering Technology Research Center has led to the successful breeding of new pomegranate varieties, including "Qiu Yan," which is the first and only nationally approved variety in China, known for its large size, good taste, and high yield [3] Group 2: Industry Development - The Zaozhuang Pomegranate Scenic Area covers an area of 50 square kilometers and is a national 4A-level tourist attraction, receiving over 1.8 million visitors annually [4] - The establishment of a pomegranate industry development zone has facilitated the successful implementation of several pomegranate industry projects, including the China Zaozhuang Pomegranate Trading Center and the Wanglaoji Health Industry Park [4] - Support for 15 leading deep processing enterprises has resulted in over 10 types of products, including pomegranate cosmetics and specialty foods, with the total industry chain output value reaching 42.2 billion yuan in 2024 [4] Group 3: Bonsai and Potted Plant Branding - Zaozhuang is being promoted as the "Capital of Chinese Pomegranate Bonsai," with high standards for the construction of pomegranate bonsai demonstration gardens [5] - There are over 550 enterprises, cooperatives, and bonsai growers engaged in the pomegranate bonsai industry, employing more than 7,000 people and producing approximately 200,000 pomegranate bonsai annually [5] - The annual output value of the pomegranate bonsai industry exceeds 600 million yuan, with the "Pomegranate Bonsai Cultivation Technique" recognized as an intangible cultural heritage in Shandong Province [5]