肇庆举办南药产业发展座谈会，共话药食同源开发

Core Insights - The conference on the development of the southern medicine industry in Zhaoqing focused on the integration of food and medicine, discussing the cultivation and standardization of traditional medicinal herbs like cinnamon and Morinda root [2][5][12]. Group 1: Industry Development - Zhaoqing is recognized as one of the six major agricultural industries in Guangdong, with a focus on southern medicinal herbs [8][10]. - The city aims to address challenges in the southern medicine industry by expanding downstream application markets and creating a comprehensive industrial chain that includes planting, processing, storage, and trade [10][12]. Group 2: Expert Opinions - Experts emphasized the importance of identifying effective varieties for chronic disease prevention and treatment, with cinnamon highlighted for its potential in managing diabetes and high blood lipids [11][12]. - The need for standardized functional raw materials and extracts was discussed, with a call for Zhaoqing to participate in national standards development [13][14]. Group 3: Strategic Recommendations - Suggestions included enhancing government guidance, fostering core enterprises, and strengthening collaboration with research institutions to create a robust market ecosystem for southern medicine [22][23]. - The integration of agriculture, culture, and tourism was recommended to increase the added value of products, particularly for cinnamon [42]. Group 4: Future Directions - The Zhaoqing government plans to use the insights from the conference as a starting point to promote high-quality development in the southern medicine industry [50][51].