Tech, best practices give Chinese apples big edge

By Zhao Ruixue in Jinan, Sun Ruisheng in Taiyuan and Ma Jingna in Lanzhou | | Updated : 2021-09-15 Farmers sell apples via a livestreaming session at an orchard in Yantai, Shandong province, in November. Fruit farmers set sights on opportunities worldwide, expand market reach Editor's note: Implementation of the China-EU Geographical Indications Agreement is expected to expand the reach of quality products from both sides. Apple growing hubs across the country are increasingly meeting international industry standards through the use of improved technology and investment in global business practices, resulting in bigger markets at home and abroad. It plans to upgrade its 80,000 hectares of orchards within two years to increase output and maintain quality, according to 2020-2025 industry development plans issued by the city government last year. Apples from agricultural hubs like Yantai are set to reach even more consumers worldwide, following their inclusion on the list of China's 100 geographical indications under protection in the European Union.