Linhai mandarin oranges and Xianju waxberries, two agricultural products grown in Taizhou, East China's Zhejiang province, are approved to use the agro-product geographical indications. Xianju holds the 23rd Xianju Waxberry Festival from June to July this year. [Photo by Ying Fanglu for chinadaily.com.cn]

Linhai mandarin oranges and Xianju waxberries, two agricultural products grown in Taizhou, East China's Zhejiang province, were recently approved to use the agro-product geographical indications by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Taizhou Daily reported on May 22.

Agricultural geographical indications are labels used in China to mark the location at which certain products are grown and whose characteristics are determined by the local natural environment.

Such indications are recognized around the world and can help Chinese produce enter international markets.

Linhai county has long been known as the "home of mandarin oranges in Jiangnan". The county grows mandarin oranges over an area of 200,000 mu (13,000 hectares) and produces 300,000 tons of the fruit worth more than 1 billion yuan ($140 million) every year.

Xianju waxberries are another trademark fruit of Taizhou and are among the most popular waxberries in China. In 2019, Xianju was home to 138,000 mu of waxberries (producing 95,000 tons), more than 400 professional cooperatives, and 25 waxberry-themed sightseeing locations. The county's waxberry industry generated an additional 21,000 yuan in income for each grower last year.