Core Viewpoint - The first National Southern Medicine Food and Health Industry Conference will be held in Zhaoqing, Guangdong, showcasing the city's rich heritage in southern medicine and its innovative practices in food and health [2][3][10]. Industry Overview - Zhaoqing, with over 2,000 years of history, is recognized as a significant hub for southern medicine, emphasizing the concept of "medicinal food homology" [5][6][10]. - The southern medicine industry is a key part of Zhaoqing's agricultural sector, with a total planting area of 1.5662 million acres, a production volume of 659,900 tons, and a total output value of 10.605 billion yuan in 2024 [22]. Market Potential - The southern medicine industry is positioned to benefit from national strategies, with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area being a focal point for traditional Chinese medicine development [9][10]. - The expansion of the national medicinal food homology directory from 87 to 106 items indicates a growing market potential, with the overall health market expected to exceed 800 billion yuan [92][93]. Innovation and Development - Zhaoqing is actively innovating within the southern medicine industry, establishing a provincial southern medicine industrial park and focusing on the cultivation of quality medicinal materials [51][52]. - The city is enhancing its industrial chain by promoting deep processing of southern medicine products, such as cinnamon oil extraction, which has significantly increased local farmers' incomes [66][72]. Integration and Future Directions - The integration of southern medicine with tourism, agriculture, and health care is being emphasized, with the establishment of various specialized towns and villages to support this initiative [75][76]. - The upcoming conference aims to set standards and build brands for the southern medicine industry, further solidifying Zhaoqing's position as a leader in this sector [114][125].

Core Viewpoint - The revival of the local specialty "Zhaoshi" in Zhaoqing, Guangdong, is attributed to innovative practices by new farmers and financial support from Guangfa Bank, transforming the industry from traditional methods to automated production. Group 1: Industry Transformation - The local specialty "Zhaoshi," a water-cultivated plant similar to lotus, faced significant competition from out-of-province products, leading to a decline in the industry [1][2]. - The transformation began with a new farmer, Mr. Chen, who modernized the production process by implementing automation, increasing monthly output from 50-60 tons to over 500 tons [2]. - New product lines such as Zhaoshi rice noodles and tea were introduced, enhancing the market presence of Zhaoshi [2]. Group 2: Financial Support and Collaboration - Guangfa Bank's Zhaoqing branch, in collaboration with local cooperatives and insurance companies, developed a comprehensive financial service model to support the agricultural sector [2][3]. - A low-cost loan of 5 million yuan was provided, along with agricultural insurance and loan guarantee insurance, addressing the financial challenges faced by farmers [2]. - The partnership aims to promote the model further, enabling more new farmers to benefit from financial assistance and fostering rural revitalization [3]. Group 3: Cultural and Economic Impact - The Zhaoshi industry is evolving beyond food products to include cultural experiences, such as creating cultural parks and educational programs, linking agriculture to tourism [3]. - The initiative is positioned to make Zhaoshi a new symbol of rural revitalization, showcasing the potential of local specialties in contributing to economic growth [3].