A bird' s eye view of dragon fruit garden

In the lush fields of Aowei Village of Pingtan, vibrant dragon fruit vines stretch across the land, their growth a testament to the dedication of Lin Sufang, a Taiwanese agronomist who has made this village her second home. As the general manager of Fujian-Taiwan Aomei Agricultural Development (Pingtan) Co., Ltd., Lin has played a pivotal role in transforming the local agricultural landscape and bringing newfound economic vitality to the community. Pingtan is the closest place on the mainland to the island of Taiwan, designated as the mainland's only comprehensive zone that spearheads cross-Straits integration.

Originally from Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Lin holds a doctorate in agronomy and spent years teaching at universities before answering a deeper calling—one that led her across the Taiwan Straits to pursue hands-on agricultural development on the Chinese mainland.

"I have always been passionate about agriculture," Lin shared. "Six years ago, I decided to leave academia and dedicate myself to something more tangible, something that could make a real difference in people's lives."

Lin Sufang (right) teaching workers to prune dragon fruit vines

Her journey brought her to Aowei Village in 2021, where she recognized the untapped potential of the land. The sandy soil was ideal for dragon fruit cultivation, and the village's prime location and cultural richness hinted at opportunities beyond farming. By 2022, she had co-founded Fujian-Taiwan Aomei Agricultural Development (Pingtan) Co., Ltd., working alongside the village under a model that integrates enterprise, local government, and villagers. Together, they cultivated nearly 70 mu of premium dragon fruit plants—more than 100,000—creating an agricultural venture that benefits all stakeholders.

Beyond introducing advanced agricultural techniques, Lin has also spearheaded branding, marketing, and sales operations, ensuring that the fruits of their labor reach broader markets. Her efforts have enabled land leasing revenues to be fairly distributed among the local farmers, fostering a sense of shared success.

The day-to-day demands of the project leave little time for Lin to step away. Whether supervising fieldwork, instructing farmworkers, or overseeing production logistics, she remains deeply involved in every stage of the process.

"During the harvest season, I personally oversee the entire shipping process to maintain the highest product quality," she said. "I practically live at the farm year-round."

Thanks to Lin's unwavering commitment, the farm's output has soared. This year alone, the dragon fruit yield is expected to reach 350 tons, marking steady growth. For the villagers, the impact goes beyond numbers—it has reshaped their livelihoods.

A worker trimming dragon fruit vines

"There wasn't much work in the village before," recalled Zhou Renxin, a local resident. "Now, thanks to the dragon fruit farm, we have stable jobs and incomes. Lin Sufang is incredibly patient—she teaches us everything step by step. Working with her, we feel secure and hopeful."

Lin's vision extends beyond agriculture. Recognizing the village's potential for agri-tourism, she has overseen the transformation of old farm pathways into scenic corridors, while the farm's night-time lighting system has turned the fields into a mesmerizing sea of lights, drawing visitors eager to experience the beauty of rural life.

"Lin Sufang puts her heart into everything she does," said Lin Xue, a committee member of the Aowei Village administration. "We see her as one of our own. She has seamlessly blended industry with rural development, giving our village a promising future."

Lin Sufang (left) presenting dried dragon fruit products

As she continues to refine her approach, Lin is exploring deeper integration between agriculture and tourism, with plans for a dragon fruit-themed restaurant, specialty products like enzyme drinks and dried fruit, and an agricultural processing hub. With each step, she remains committed to enhancing local industries and strengthening agricultural ties across the Taiwan Straits.

"I love this land, and I love agriculture," Lin reflected. "I believe that with dedication and hard work, we can create something truly remarkable."