대한민국 채소 인사이트

[Reporter Hong Lan, Korea Farmers and Fishermen Newspaper] As the possibility of GMO (genetically modified organism) potato imports being placed on the negotiation table arose ahead of the Korea-U.S. summit, farmers and civic groups strongly opposed it. They made it clear that "GMO potato imports must never be allowed to protect public health and our agriculture." Farmer and civic groups, including the National Action Against GMO, held a press conference in front of the Statue of King Sejong the Great at Gwanghwamun in Seoul on the afternoon of the 8th, urging a complete halt to discussions on GMO potato imports and regulatory relaxation. The government recently announced the results of the Korea-U.S. mutual tariff negotiations, stating that "there will be no additional market opening for rice and beef."

(Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Yoon-gu = In celebration of the fifth anniversary of the 'Taste of Korea' campaign, McDonald's Korea announced on the 8th that it will re-release the 'Changnyeong Garlic Burger' and 'Changnyeong Garlic Chicken Burger' on the 11th. The 'Changnyeong Garlic Burger' is the starting point and a symbolic menu of the 'Taste of Korea' project, which was created in collaboration with domestic farmers to bring out the value of regional specialties. After its debut in 2021, it was re-released in 2022 and 2023 reflecting consumer demand. The two types of Changnyeong Garlic Burgers include a topping made from whole ground garlic and garlic aioli sauce, with six slices of garlic in each burger. In conjunction with the product re-release, McDonald's Korea and Changnyeong County will hold the 'Changnyeong Garlic Burger Mascot Drawing Contest' starting on the 11th. A McDonald's official said, "The 'Taste of Korea' project has been uncovering and highlighting the value of lesser-known regional ingredients," and added, "We will continue to grow as a brand that grows together with the region through new menus." ykim@yna.co.kr

(Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Shin Seon-mi = It has been predicted that the prices of major fruits and vegetables such as watermelons, peaches, and tomatoes will be higher than usual this month. The average price of the past three years, excluding the highest and lowest prices from 2020 to last year, is considered the usual price. The Korea Rural Economic Institute (KREA) predicted through its 'August Agricultural Observation' report on the 6th that the wholesale price of watermelons this month will be 3,100 won per kg, 17.4% higher than usual, and 1.5% higher than a year ago. This is due to the sustained high temperatures in summer and the increase in watermelon consumption as the prices of alternative fruits such as peaches and grapes rise. KREA cited the distribution of livelihood recovery support funds as one of the factors for the increase in watermelon consumption. The wholesale price of tomatoes, which are popular among consumers in summer, is expected to rise by 33.2% compared to usual and 18.1% compared to a year ago to 20,000 won per 5 kg due to a decrease in production caused by the heat wave. The wholesale price of peaches (Cheonjungdobaekdo) is expected to rise by 35.2% compared to usual and 21.3% compared to a year ago to 30,000 won per 4 kg due to a decrease in production and delayed shipment. The price of apples (Tsugaru) is expected to rise by 83.0% compared to usual and 20.6% compared to a year ago to 60,000 won per 10 kg due to a decrease in production. KREA also predicted that the wholesale price of cabbage will be 17,000 won per 10 kg, the same as last year, but 14.9% higher than usual. In addition, the wholesale price of chicken in producing areas is expected to be 1,800 won per kg this month, 8.2% higher than usual and 3.5% higher than a year ago. The price increase may be further expanded if productivity decreases due to heat waves and heavy rains. sun@yna.co.kr