Mushroom industry conference held in Guizhou

Experts and representatives of the mushroom industry gather in Guiyang to discuss developments in the sector in Guizhou. [Photo/ddcpc website]

The 2021 China (Guizhou) mushroom innovation conference was held in Guiyang, capital of Southwest China's Guizhou province, on June 23.

The event attracted industry experts, mushroom producers, universities and research institutions to discuss the development of the sector in the province.

At the opening ceremony, 16 mushroom projects were signed. The conference reportedly witnessed the signing of 29 mushroom projects in total, involving investment of 4.02 billion yuan ($621.48 million).

The mushroom sector is one of Guizhou's 12 featured agricultural industries. The province is home to 268 varieties of edible mushrooms and more than 80 percent of China's wild mushroom varieties.

Bamboo mushrooms produced in Guizhou's Zhijin county are recognized as national geographic indication products. A national geographical indication is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.

Over the past four years, the output volume and value of Guizhou's edible mushrooms have maintained a double-digit growth rate. In 2020, the mushroom output volume was 1.48 million metric tons and the output value was 18.5 billion yuan.

Guizhou's mushroom industry has grown into a giant industry that is boosting mountain agriculture and alleviating poverty. Last year, the industry helped 200,000 farmers secure jobs.