Evaluating the Impact of Agricultural Product Geographical Indication Program on Rural Income: A Case Study of the Yangtze River Delta Region in China

In the pursuit of high-quality agricultural development and rural vitalization, China has embarked on an ambitious journey with its Agricultural Product Geographical Indication Program. This research paper delves into the multifaceted effects of this policy initiative, focusing on the dynamic Yangtze River Delta region. The study employs a robust difference-in-differences (DID) model to analyze the policy’s net impact on rural residents’ income within Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui Provinces from 2017 to 2020. Our findings reveal that the program implementation has yielded tangible benefits, significantly increasing rural residents’ per capita disposable income in these provinces. This positive outcome can be attributed to the program’s funding allocation, accelerating agricultural infrastructure development, enhancing product productivity and quality control. Consequently, this amplifies the market premium effect, contributing substantially to income growth. However, the research also underscores the importance of considering regional heterogeneity. While Jiangsu and Zhejiang Provinces have experienced significant gains, Anhui Province lags due to varying resource endowments and development stages. Moreover, the time-lagged effect of policy implementation plays a role in these disparities. Based on these insights, we propose a set of policy recommendations. First, continued implementation of the Agricultural Product Geographical Indication Program should be prioritized, focusing on enhanced funding management and multi-party participation. Second, harnessing regional cooperation and resource sharing is vital for optimizing policy outcomes. Finally, the establishment of a comprehensive risk prevention and control mechanism is crucial for the industry’s resilience in the face of unforeseen challenges. This research provides empirical evidence of the program’s economic benefits and valuable policy implications for China’s journey towards high-quality agricultural development and rural prosperity, aligning with the overarching goals of innovation, entrepreneurship, and societal progress.