The farm and food processing base, certified by the State Environmental Protection Administration, covers 2,372 square kilometers in total in Xinghai county in Qinghai Province.

Located at an altitude of 3,246 meters above sea level, the county has a wealth of valuable plants and animals including Tibetan antelopes, Tibetan sheep and rhubarb.

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, recognized by UNESCO as one of the four most pollution-free regions in the world, is an ideal place to build such a base, according to local officials.

Organic foods are pollution-free, high-quality food products that are grown and processed without chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or foodstuff additives.

Experts believe that as living standards continue to improve in China, more people will become interested in high-quality natural food products, with organic products set to enjoy bright prospects and a strong market edge.

(Xinhua News Agency March 12, 2003)