To build a beautiful Yantai, our city will add another "significant boost." Recently issued by Yantai City, Shandong Province, the "Opinions on Accelerating Forestry Industry Development" (hereinafter referred to as the "Opinions") outlines a vision: By 2015, the city aims to achieve an economic forest area of 4.5 million mu, establish 150 demonstration parks and bases at or above the city level, cultivate 50 leading forestry enterprises at or above the city level, and develop 50 specialized forestry demonstration cooperatives. Ultimately, the city’s total forestry industry output value is projected to exceed 90 billion yuan.

Seedling and flower cultivation covers 100,000 mu of land.

Our city will prioritize the seedlings, saplings, and floriculture industry as a key focus of the forestry sector. We will conduct comprehensive surveys, preservation efforts, and sustainable utilization of germplasm resources in this field, while establishing a municipal seedling and flower germplasm repository and high-quality forest tree breeding bases. Additionally, we will strengthen and support the development of nursery bases specializing in fruit trees, landscaping plants, and timber species. Furthermore, we’ll encourage the propagation and cultivation of oil-bearing peonies, Xanthoceras sorbifolium, and Phellodendron amurense, introduce and cultivate premium, unique, and innovative flower varieties, and actively promote the growth of ornamental potted flower industries like roses and Phalaenopsis orchids. By 2015, the city aims to achieve a total planting area of over 100,000 mu for seedlings and flowers, with at least 15 demonstration bases each spanning more than 500 mu.

Strengthen the deep processing of economic forests and their products. In key fruit-growing areas specializing in apples, grapes, and sweet cherries, adjust planting structures and accelerate industry transformation and upgrading. Meanwhile, in traditional cultivation zones for woody oilseed crops like walnuts, chestnuts, and persimmons, implement technological upgrades and introduce new, high-quality varieties to enhance farming efficiency, driving development across surrounding regions. Additionally, promote cutting-edge cultivation technologies for emerging industries, fostering the growth of sectors such as blueberries, figs, mulberries, and tea. Support the development of leading forest product processing enterprises with strong growth potential and robust regional influence, while also encouraging the construction of advanced facilities like controlled-atmosphere storage and cold-storage systems. By 2015, establish 80 city-level or higher demonstration planting bases, ensuring that 100% of major economic forest crop varieties are now represented by superior, certified seedlings.

Establish two provincial-level or higher forest parks

According to the plan, our city will integrate the construction of a national timber strategic reserve base with comprehensive considerations for ecological development in mountainous and hilly areas, protection of watershed ecosystems, and greening and beautification of rural towns. We will tailor solutions to local conditions by converting low- and medium-yield farmland, as well as areas alongside highways, back into forests. Additionally, we’ll promote the establishment of fast-growing, high-yield timber forests and rare species like the Chinese wingnut tree in barren mountains, neglected land, forest networks across plain agricultural areas, along the Jiaodong water conveyance routes, coastlines, and riverbanks. We will also attract and cultivate leading enterprises specializing in wood product processing—those with high technological content, efficient resource utilization, and strong economic returns—as well as companies focused on the comprehensive use of "three residues," small-diameter timber, and recycled wood materials. By 2015, we aim to newly develop 30,000 mu of various timber forests. At the same time, we’ll delve deeper into the cultural significance of forests, fostering distinctive forest-based eco-tourism initiatives and building a robust, theme-driven, and culturally rich forest ecosystem framework. By 2015, we plan to establish two provincial-level or higher forest parks and two wetland parks.

In terms of forest-based economies and wildlife domestication, our city proposes that, without altering the primary use of forest land or compromising its ecological functions, we should leverage natural conditions and existing forest resources—such as economic forests, timber forests, and public welfare forests—to develop resource-efficient, multi-layered farming and livestock operations under the forest canopy. This includes cultivating mushrooms, medicinal herbs, raising poultry, and even small-scale livestock, tailored to local environmental and land-specific advantages. The goal is to achieve short-term financial gains while ensuring long-term forest conservation. Additionally, by integrating these initiatives with existing wildlife resources, we aim to enhance the sustainable utilization of wild animal populations. This involves optimizing breeding programs, expanding market opportunities for species with promising commercial potential, and promoting those animals whose breeding technologies are well-established and legally approved for commercial exploitation. By 2015, we plan to establish 50 municipal-level or higher demonstration bases and sites dedicated to forest-understory economic activities, thereby driving robust growth and expansion of this vital sector.

Exploring the Establishment of an Forestry Insurance Mechanism

Our city has proposed rigorously implementing tax relief measures—such as corporate income tax and value-added tax exemptions—granted by regulations to the forestry industry. Additionally, we will explore establishing a government-backed forestry insurance mechanism and ensure proper execution of central fiscal subsidies for forest insurance programs. Financial institutions are encouraged to actively promote services like forest rights-based mortgage loans and small-scale loans for members of forestry cooperatives. Priority consideration will also be given to loan financing applications from leading forestry enterprises at or above the city level, specialized demonstration forestry cooperatives, and companies producing renowned forest products.

In terms of policy measures, our city will continue to deepen the reform of the collective forest rights system, accelerate the process of confirming and certifying commercial forests, and advance the establishment of forest rights service centers—providing essential support for forestry farmers seeking financing and facilitating the transfer of forest rights. We will also promote the development of leading forestry enterprises, specialized demonstration cooperatives, model parks, and demonstration bases, while encouraging forest certification initiatives. Additionally, we’ll implement the "Trademark-Driven Rural Prosperity" project, focusing on recognizing Yantai’s renowned branded forest products and certifying forest products that meet the "Three Products, One Standard" criteria. Furthermore, we’ll strengthen the construction of a two-tiered quality and safety inspection and testing system for forest products at both the city and county levels, introduce enterprise-led production and sales chain certification programs, and establish comprehensive systems for product origin approval, market access, and quality traceability. Meanwhile, forestry industry associations are encouraged to actively leverage their roles in areas such as industry self-regulation, advisory services, promotional outreach, collaborative rights protection, and market intelligence—empowering forestry businesses and farmers to better manage and serve themselves effectively.