A selection of grape varieties from Tongzhou district, Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province, won six gold and five silver medals in the 2023 Jiangsu province quality fresh grape tasting and promotion event on Aug 17.

The event featured samples from a total of 170 grape growers in the province.

This remarkable achievement is a testament to the rapid development of Tongzhou's grape industry, which has a cultivation area of 13,000 mu (866.67 hectares) and contributes to an output value of over 500 million yuan ($68.78 million).

Wu Yongjun, head of Tongzhou's planting station, emphasized that cultivating high-quality grape varieties, promoting scientific cultivation techniques, and building grape brands are key factors behind the growth of Tongzhou's grape industry.

Cao Haizhong, a well-known local grape grower with 36 years of experience, has experimented with 386 different grape varieties to develop higher-quality varieties. His Qiyuan grapery primarily cultivates a few select varieties, including the esteemed "sunshine rose". During the tasting and promotion event, his grapes earned one gold and one silver award.

The application of scientific cultivation techniques is also making Tongzhou's grape industry more high-end. Wang Zhuqing of the Yurun family farm employs organic fertilizers to enrich soil diversity while creating an ecosystem within the vineyard to enhance grape quality.

Wang also established the first agricultural association in Tongzhou. With over 20 members, its aim is to promote Tongzhou's agricultural products and develop their brand.

To ensure the high-quality development of the grape industry, Tongzhou authorities have introduced a series of support measures and favorable policies. In addition to financial incentives, the local government is organizing technical training and providing expert guidance to impart advanced cultivation techniques to growers.

Tongzhou currently boasts over 10 registered grape trademarks, ranging from famous names like Qiyuan to emerging brands like Yurun.

A grapery in Tongzhou district. [Photo/WeChat account: wxtzfb]

The high-quality grape variety of Yurun family farm. [Photo/WeChat account: wxtzfb]