Broccoli grown in Linhai, a county in Taizhou, East China's Zhejiang province, has obtained protection from the European Union (EU), Taizhou Daily reported on July 26.

The EU and China have signed a landmark agreement on geographical indications (GI) to recognize each other's protected regional products. The agreement protects the trademarks of 200 GIs in China and the EU.

GI is a label used for products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are closely connected to their place of origin.

Linhai broccoli is the only GI product in Taizhou to be under the protection of the agreement.

Linhai county is the largest broccoli production center in China and also an important global broccoli production center.

In 2010, Linhai broccoli succeeded in registering for the GI certification trademark, and three years later, it obtained certification as a national GI agricultural product.

Last year, Linhai exported 2,900 metric tons of broccoli worth $3.93 million.

Broccoli grown in Linhai, a county in Taizhou, East China's Zhejiang province, obtains protection from the European Union (EU). [Photo/tznews.taizhou.com.cn]