The 'Lead Goose' program participants boost rural revitalization

Rural business leaders across China take turns guiding their communities, much like geese that rotate leadership during long migrations. China Daily reporter Li Lei spoke with several of them at the 33rd China Yangling Agricultural Hi-tech Fair, held recently in Yangling, Shaanxi province.

The national "Lead Goose" program sends these farmers to university to learn farming, processing and marketing skills. Some grow crop seeds in the Gobi Desert, run mountain tea farms or expand walnut processing.

Graduates often return as mentors to coach new participants. By the end of 2025, 74,300 people had joined, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. They share expertise, orders and market access with nearby farmers to strengthen local rural economies.