Qingyuan Mushroom was recently listed as an EU-China geographical indication (GI) product. It is the only geographically significant agricultural product from Lishui, Zhejiang, China, that has obtained a GI registration.

Following registration, like others of China's GI products in the EU, Qingyuan Mushroom will be protected by the EU-China agreement on GIs which is meant to protect geographically significant fruits and vegetables from various countries.

A GI is a distinctive sign used on products that have a specific geographic origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. Producers of Qingyuan Mushroom who have the right to use the indication are enabled to prevent use of the term "Qingyuan Mushroom" for mushrooms not grown in their mushroom gardens.

Qingyuan county, which is said to be the earliest place to cultivate mushrooms in the world, is known as The Town of Mushrooms. Qingyuan Mushroom is recognized as a well-known trademark in China, with a brand value of 4.9 billion yuan ($704 million), and ranks first among the country's edible mushroom brands. A mushroom festival and a mushroom fair are held in the county every year, giving the local mushrooms a global presence.

Local mushroom producers continue to improve their techniques of growing mushrooms and are endeavoring to build a mushroom culture that is deeply rooted in the production activities within the town.

In the meantime, Qingyuan county boosts the local mushroom industry and economic development by leveraging efficient logistics and e-commerce services.