A major milestone in China's seafood industry has put Pingtan abalone in the national spotlight. Pingtan Weihai Aquatic Farming Co., Ltd. is now the only abalone producer in the country authorized to use the Green Food certification, a designation granted by the China Green Food Development Center. 

The certification has already sparked a surge in demand. "With this 'green label,' orders are pouring in," said Zhou Yiming, head of the company. "A buyer from Shanghai is flying in soon just to finalize a deal." 

A Pristine Habitat Meets Stringent Standards

Nestled in the unspoiled waters off Yufan Village, Pingtan, the farm benefits from exceptional water quality, with ideal salinity and temperature levels for abalone cultivation. The farm underwent rigorous testing by national authorities, meeting strict environmental and food safety standards required for Green Food certification. 

But beyond the environment, it' s the sustainable farming practices that set Pingtan abalone apart. 

"This season is critical for feeding, and we use only two types of natural feed: seaweed and Gracilaria (dragon's beard algae)," Zhou explained. He pointed out that abalone shells reveal their diet—green for seaweed-fed, brown for those eating dragon's beard algae—a clear marker of their all-natural upbringing. 

Tech-Driven Sustainability & Market Impact

Scientific innovation has played a key role in the farm's success. Chen Shibin, a provincial science and technology expert, has provided ongoing technical support to promote eco-friendly aquaculture methods. "More seafood industries should adopt sustainable practices like this," he said. 

The market has responded swiftly. Wang Bo, a developer and seller of Pingtan abalone balls, immediately increased his orders upon hearing the news. "With such premium raw materials, our products will be even more competitive," he said. 

Meanwhile, demand is skyrocketing. "Our next batch of abalone is already sold out," Zhou said with a smile. "This certification has taken our business to the next level."