Core Insights - The article highlights the significance of fresh lotus seeds, particularly in the summer, and the labor-intensive process of harvesting them, emphasizing the connection between local culture and agriculture [2][3][4] Group 1: Company Overview - The company, Hangzhou Bay Lotus and Water Plant Cooperative, was established in 2006 by Ma Lianghao, who mobilized over 20 local farmers to invest together [3] - The cooperative has evolved into a modern agricultural enterprise, managing 4,500 acres of land for the cultivation of rice and aquatic vegetables, including lotus, water chestnuts, and other crops [3][4] Group 2: Product and Market - Fresh lotus seeds, known as "fruit lotus," have become a recent focus for the cooperative, with a planting area expansion from 120 acres last year to 200 acres this year [4] - The cooperative's lotus seeds are sold at a price of 5 yuan per lotus pod and 9.9 yuan per box (0.17 kg) for peeled seeds supplied to "Hema Fresh" [4] Group 3: Labor and Employment - During the peak harvesting season from late July to early August, the cooperative employs over 30 lotus harvesters, with daily wages set at 200 yuan for an 8-hour workday, plus an additional 50 yuan daily subsidy during high temperatures [4] Group 4: Future Aspirations - Ma Lianghao envisions establishing a comprehensive lotus cultural park in his hometown, which would integrate educational, agricultural, and tourism experiences, allowing visitors to engage with the lotus harvesting process and appreciate agricultural culture [4]

Core Viewpoint - Zhejiang Province has announced the fourth batch of high-quality "local specialties" and the first batch of "local specialty" new products, showcasing the strength of Hangzhou in integrating agricultural products with industrial wisdom [1] Group 1: Local Specialties - Ten classic products from Hangzhou have been selected for the fourth batch of high-quality "local specialties," with 14 enterprises' products becoming part of the first batch of "local specialty" new products, ranking among the top in the province [1] - The selected local specialties include Yuhang soft-shelled turtle and Qiantang white shrimp, which are recognized for their high protein characteristics and unique ecological farming methods [2] - Fuyang fresh bamboo shoots leverage their historical reputation and carbon sink advantages to contribute to the "taste economy," while Lin'an high-altitude vegetables and Tianmu small sweet potatoes utilize local soil and climate for development [2] Group 2: Cultural Heritage and Innovation - The six traditional handcrafting processes of Tonglu's Xinhao noodles have been included in the intangible cultural heritage protection, symbolizing rural aesthetics in Zhejiang [2] - The unique flavor profiles of Yangshan honey peaches and Qiandao Lake loquats are highlighted as examples of climate geographical indicators [2] - The industrialization path of the "red gold" saffron from Jiande is noted as a model for revitalizing agricultural cultural heritage [2] Group 3: Product Innovation and Market Expansion - The first batch of "local specialty" new products includes a matcha series from six tea companies in Yuhang, extending the advantages of Jing Mountain tea into deep processing [3] - The introduction of Japanese matcha processing techniques by Chun'an Wanshin Tea demonstrates the international transformation of traditional tea industries [3] - Innovative products such as Fuyang sweet persimmons and Tonglu sturgeon caviar are breaking traditional cultivation boundaries and enhancing market presence through value chain integration [3]