Recently, the annual list of national new and top-notch agricultural products was released by the Ministry of Agriculture. A total of 696 agricultural products were selected throughout the country.

Six agricultural products of Changzhou were selected into the list. They are Jintan Rice, Jianchang Taro, Maoshan Qingfeng Tea, Jintan Queshe Tea, Xiangyang White Celery and Xiangyang White Tea. Among them, Jianchang Taro, Maoshan Qingfeng Tea, Jintan Queshe Tea, Xiangyang White Celery are rated as national geographical indication products.

Jintan has more than 40,000 mu (about 2666.67 hectares) of tea gardens. It is the hometown of Chinese green tea and a national key tea production area. Jintan Queshe and Maoshan Qingfeng rank among the top 50 tea brands in China. Jianchang Taro has been planted in Jintan for more than 200 years. The local farmers have planted more than 5,000 mu (about 333.33 hectares) of this kind of sweet taro.

It is learned that the annual list of national new and top-notch agricultural products includes grain, oil, vegetables, fruits, tea, and Chinese herbal medicines. The goal is to support structural reforms in the agricultural supply side, and to promote improved varieties, quality and brands of agricultural products. At the same time, it will promote agricultural efficiency and increase farmers' income, and satisfy consumer demand for healthy and safe agricultural products.