Reborn in the Great Northern Wilderness in 1982, I farmed and hunted to support my whole family.

The expert shook his head: "You can't say that. The quality of planting techniques doesn't depend on the scale, but on the dedication. I can tell from your vegetables that the technique is excellent! Director Fu, what do you think?"

The man referred to as Director Fu was a middle-aged man who wore glasses and looked very refined.

His expression was somewhat discerning. He didn't eat the tomato, but instead held a piece in his hand, examining it carefully. He first looked at the color of the tomato, then carefully examined its shape, then smelled it under his nose before slowly putting it in his mouth and chewing it a few times.

"It's alright, not much different from the ones in the compound."

Upon hearing this, the other experts were stunned and all looked at him.

Li Mu's heart skipped a beat. Could it be that these Black Pearl tomatoes were not good enough for Director Fu?

These are people you can't afford to offend.

"Director Fu, perhaps our planting techniques need improvement. Please give us your guidance."

Director Fu picked up another piece of cucumber, took a bite, chewed it a few times, and then frowned.

"These cucumbers don't taste good either; they're too old and not crisp enough."

Li Mu felt a little uneasy. This Director Fu was probably an expert who could spot the problem at a glance, which was a learning opportunity for them.

He humbly asked, "Director Fu, what aspects of our vegetable cultivation do you think need improvement?"

Director Fu put down the cucumber in his hand without saying a word.

Getting some real information out of this expert is not difficult.

"Director Fu, you are an expert in this field. We are new here and don't know much about this. Please don't hesitate to give us your guidance."

Director Fu finally spoke, but his tone remained critical: "Your soil management is terrible. Look at how these vegetables are growing; the soil is clearly not fertile enough."

"Yes! We think so too. We've been trying out some new farmyard manure to see if it can improve soil fertility."

Director Fu nodded: "Farmyard manure is good, but it has to be used in the right way, otherwise it's a waste. Also, your irrigation system is no good. How can you irrigate like this, just haphazardly spreading it on the ridges? It's neither hygienic nor scientific."

Li Mu nodded quickly: "Yes, yes, we are also trying to find ways to improve it. We are planning to introduce a drip irrigation system, which can save water and control the amount of irrigation more precisely."

"Hmm, that's more like it. Also, you need to strengthen your pest and disease control. I see signs of pests and diseases on some vegetables. We need to deal with them quickly. What are we going to do with them?"

Li Mu readily agreed, his mouth dry from talking. Director Fu grabbed a tomato and started munching on it, then asked, "Have you considered trying some new planting techniques or introducing some new vegetable varieties lately?"

Finally, you've hit the nail on the head!

Li Mu nodded quickly: "Yes, yes, yes, we have indeed been considering introducing some new planting techniques and vegetable varieties recently. For example, the Black Pearl tomato that we are trying to grow is a new variety that has been introduced."

Director Fu glanced at the Black Pearl tomatoes in his hand: "That's it?"

"If the director has any recommendations, that would be great. We are very willing to try and learn."

Director Fu said, "I do have a few suggestions, but I'm afraid you'll find them hard to accept if I say them now."

Li Mu quickly replied, "Director Fu, please feel free to speak. We are all here with a learning attitude, and we will seriously consider any suggestions you may have."

"I suggest you try organic farming. Although the initial investment is relatively large, in the long run, it is beneficial to the protection of the soil and environment, and the vegetables grown will also be of higher quality."

Upon hearing this, Li Mu felt a little hesitant. They had learned about organic farming before, but the investment was indeed considerable. Old Wang and Old Zhang had also considered it, but they both felt it wasn't worthwhile, since their current farming methods were already generating good returns.

"Director, I've tried this idea before, but the cost is indeed quite high. Our current profits are also pretty good, so it's difficult to make any major changes in a short time."

“Perfect timing! We have a project that specifically supports small farmers like yours to transition to organic farming. It offers not only financial support but also technical guidance. If you’re willing to give it a try, I can help you apply for this project.”

Li Mu's eyes lit up. Wasn't this the project that Vice Mayor Zhao had mentioned?

"I've heard Vice Mayor Zhao mention this project before. What's the plan for this project?"

Ask questions before making a decision, so you don't create a lot of trouble later.

"This project was jointly launched by the municipal government and the agricultural university. Its main purpose is to promote organic farming, improve the quality of agricultural products, and help small farmers increase their income."

“We will provide the necessary supplies for organic agriculture, such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, and we will also send experts regularly to guide your planting techniques. This project is led by the municipal government.”

I've covered all the benefits; whether you're willing to do it or not is up to you. If you're willing to try, I can help you apply, but let me make it clear first: organic farming isn't simple. It requires a lot of effort and time, and you might not see much return in the early stages. You need to be prepared for that.

Li Mu was now in a difficult position to agree to. If things went well, everyone would be happy. Their cooperative's reputation would be established, the quality of their vegetables would be improved, and they would have no worries about selling them at a good price in the future.

But if things go wrong, the losses could be huge. Not only would the invested costs not be recovered, but the current stable income could also be affected.

He looked at his other brothers, wanting to hear their opinions.

Old Wang spoke first: "I think we can give it a try. Although we are making a lot of money now, we are still living off our savings. If this organic farming is successful, life will be much better in the future."

Old Zhang nodded in agreement: "Yes, the director is right. We really need to change our soil and irrigation system, otherwise the quality of our vegetables will decline sooner or later."

Li Jianjun and Tian Xiaohu exchanged a glance and nodded.

With Vice Mayor Zhao's connections, they probably wouldn't try to harm me.

Li Mu gritted his teeth and made up his mind: "Okay! Director Fu, we are willing to try organic farming. Please help us apply for this project!"

"Great! That's the plan! I'll apply for it for you when I get back. You should also get ready to make changes to the soil and irrigation system. Could you please provide some soil and seedlings so I can do a test and assess the current condition of the soil and seeds, and develop a targeted improvement plan?"

Li Mu nodded: "No problem, no problem. I'll arrange for people to dig the soil and collect the seedlings right away. I will definitely cooperate with the experts' work."

"Okay, then it's settled. By the way, is there anything else you need help with? Just let us know, and we'll definitely help if we can."