Part of the 15 agricultural products from Nantong that are recognized as national geographical indication protected products. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

In a recent announcement by the China National Intellectual Property Administration, 15 agricultural products from Nantong, Jiangsu province, have successfully been recognized as national geographical indication protected products.

The 15 products are Haimen yellow chicken, Rugao yellow chicken, Haimen taro, Qidong green-skinned eggplant, Qidong lentil, Wannian Xiangsha taro, Qidong green-skinned broad bean, Haimen Dahongpao red bean, Qidong Shadi yam, Qidong reed millet, Haimen white-skinned broad bean, Xiayuan myoga ginger, Rudong myoga ginger, Qi'an Dafang persimmon, and Xinguang purple peach.

Nantong, benefiting from its rich resources along the Yangtze River and the Yellow Sea, has harnessed its natural advantages since the initiation of the national geographical indication recognition process. The city now boasts 29 GI protected products and has registered 32 GI trademarks, bringing its total to 61 GI members — ranking third in the province. This marks a breakthrough in its efforts to empower the development of specialty industries through intellectual property protection.

GIs act as a shining beacon for local specialty agricultural products, reflecting distinct regional customs and rich historical traditions. They play a vital role in boosting product value and uplifting the image of the area.