Gutian County Edible Fungi R&D Center has been recognized for its contributions to agricultural innovation, recently earning a third-class prize in the Agricultural Technology Promotion Achievement category of the 2022-2024 National Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Fishery Harvest Award. The accolade was granted for the center's involvement in the "Integrated Technology Development and Application for Cold Chain Preservation and Processing of Fujian Specialty Fruits, Vegetables, and Fungi."
Between 2019 and 2024, the center spearheaded the local implementation of this project, promoting standardized cold storage protocols and integrated primary processing techniques for specialty products like white fungus across 48 cold storage facilities and 106 agricultural product processing centers within the county. Over the six-year period, these efforts reached a cumulative promotion scale of 505,323 tons, generating new net profits of 1.934 billion yuan and total economic benefits of 1.219 billion yuan. The initiative facilitated on-site value addition for agricultural products, boosting the added value of primary processing by more than 30%.
The project also ensured smooth connections between high-quality production and market sales, allowing for off-peak market listings with premium pricing. By reducing losses and enhancing efficiency, it contributed directly to increasing farmers' incomes, yielding substantial economic and social returns. This year's award marks the first evaluation cycle under the newly revised "Measures for the Award of the National Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Fishery Harvest Award" by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.
This recognition highlights the center's tangible achievements in translating edible fungi research into practical applications and its effective role in agricultural technology extension. By addressing the specific needs of local mushroom growers and production, the center has provided robust technical support for enhancing product value and boosting farmer incomes, accumulating valuable experience for the broader agricultural development of Gutian County.