Raoyang Grapes

Raoyang Grapes

Raoyang Grapes are a protected geographical indication product.

　　Raoyang Grapes are a specialty of Raoyang County, Hengshui City, Hebei Province. In 2012, Raoyang County was designated by the National Standards Committee as a national standardized demonstration area for greenhouse grape production. By the end of 2012, it was also recognized by the Economic Forestry Association of China’s State Forestry Administration as the “Hometown of Greenhouse Grapes in China.”

　　The climate, temperature, and soil conditions in Raoyang are highly suitable for grape cultivation. The county government has identified the grape industry as a key sector for boosting farmers’ incomes, allocating funds originally intended for afforestation and reclaiming barren land primarily to support grape development. Villages with contiguous plantings of over 100 acres and large-scale growers receive a subsidy of 200 yuan per acre, while poverty-stricken villages also benefit from relevant poverty alleviation policies. In recent years, Raoyang County has actively promoted grape cultivation, leading to rapid growth in the industry. By the end of 2010, the county had 38,000 acres of greenhouse grapes, yielding 100 million pounds of fruit and generating an output value of 650 million yuan, making it the largest greenhouse grape production base in China.

　　For households applying to build greenhouse facilities, Raoyang County offers comprehensive, full-service support. Township officials and village cadres assist with planning, land allocation, and coordinating with financial institutions to provide small loans for new greenhouse builders. Additionally, beyond cooperative-based sales channels, the county has established a stable marketing team and set up grape sales networks in major nearby cities such as Beijing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, Baoding, and Jinan. The county has also strengthened its market infrastructure, building specialized grape sales markets in villages like Xiwana and Gaocun to facilitate external sales. Gaocun in Dayin Village Town alone has 839 grape greenhouses—every household has one and grows grapes, producing 3.5 million kilograms annually with an output value close to 100 million yuan, enabling the entire village to enjoy a prosperous life.

　　Currently, Raoyang’s grapes start ripening and come to market in late March, with harvesting continuing through early July. Major varieties include Crimson (Feihong), Victoria, Zaohēibǎo (Early Black Treasure), Fujiminori (Fengren), and Wúhé Zǎohóng (Seedless Early Red), among more than 10 others. All are produced under pollution-free, standardized methods. The “Lexiang” (Lexiang) and “Wan’ai” (Wan’ai) brands of grapes have been awarded provincial quality product status.

　　The production area of Raoyang Grapes includes the following seven administrative regions under the jurisdiction of Raoyang County, Hebei Province: Daguanting Town, Dayin Village Town, Raoyang Town, Wugong Town, Liuchu Township, Wangtongyue Township, and Dongliman Township.