An overhead view of a moss farm in Lishui, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Tide News]

After a strict inspection, eight boxes of fresh moss embarked on a journey on March 21 from Liandu district, Lishui, Zhejiang province to Singapore – marking the first export of fresh moss from Zhejiang.

"We successfully completed the registration of outbound seedling and flower production enterprises in January, becoming the first company in the province qualified to export fresh moss," said Wen Congfa, head of Lishui Runsheng Moss Technology Co.

The lush landscapes of Lishui provide an ideal environment for the growth of moss, fostering a prosperous local industry. Moss, once used primarily for miniature landscapes, now plays a significant role in environmental greening and ecological restoration.

Since 2019, Runsheng Moss has worked with several towns in Liandu district, Jingning county, and Qingtian county – all in Lishui – to promote moss farming. This has involved over 500 farmers as partners, boosting their total income by more than 10 million yuan ($1.38 million).

Last year, the company received commercial inquiries from clients in South Korea, Singapore, and South Africa.

Exporting moss is challenging due to its high quarantine risk. Lishui Customs provided expert guidance on pest control and quality assurance, ensuring compliance with international standards.

According to Wen, Runsheng Moss plans to establish a 2,800-square-meter seedling center this year – featuring automated, sterile, and intelligent moss production.

It's projected that this high-standard facility will increase land use efficiency by over seven times – enabling year-round standardized production, with an expected annual export sales topping 30 million yuan.