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Introduction to GIs under the China-EU Agreement on Geographical Indications (11): Wuchang Rice
2021-08-23 15:19

The China-EU Agreement on Geographical Indications officially entered into force on March 1, 2021. It is China’s first bilateral comprehensive and high-level agreement on the protection of geographical indications (GIs), and an important and practical outcome in the development of China-EU economic and trade relations in recent years.

We will continue to introduce to you the first batch of 100 Chinese GIs and 100 European GIs under the Agreement, to better protect and market them to meet the needs of consumers on both sides for a better life.

GI Episode 11: Wuchang Rice

In China, a country with a long farming history, people have a special affection for the staple food rice. When asked about which one is the best, many may answer Wuchang rice. There is a saying that a meal of Wuchang rice makes people forget the smell of wine and meat.

The city of Wuchang is located in the south of Heilongjiang Province. There is fertile black soil composted over tens of thousands of years which forms one of the only three big expanses of black soil in the world. The average black soil is more than one meter thick, rich in organic and mineral matter, and very suitable for farming. The three major water systems of Xilang River, Lalin River and Mangniu River run through the whole area, providing adequate water supply for irrigation.

In August and September, when the rice is in the stage of grain filling and becoming mature, the Wuchang rice planting area enjoys sunny and lovely days, with adequate sunshine and big temperature difference between day and night. At this time, rice fully absorbs soil nutrients and grains gradually plump up, with nutrients such as amylopectin and double-chain sugar stored up.

The history of rice cultivation in Wuchang can be traced back to the period of Bohai Kingdom in early Tang Dynasty. The quote “as heavy as sand, as bright as jade, the soup like milk with rich aroma” from historical books is a vivid description of the color, aroma and taste of Wuchang rice.

Wuchang now is increasing the protection and upgrading project of its black soil, implementing the river chief system and establishing a standard system from farm to fork. This will help improve the quality and taste of Wuchang rice and better meet people’s needs for a better life.

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