United States Root insights

Climate change is intensifying high temperatures, creating a critical situation in the production of essential crops worldwide, such as potatoes. In agricultural regions such as Los Lagos and La Araucanía, where temperatures peaked at over 32 degrees, this would be decreasing soil yields and threatening the economic stability of farmers. However, a scientific breakthrough led by the University of Illinois in the United States could change this panorama: these are genetically modified potatoes capable of withstanding extreme conditions, increasing their productivity by 30% without losing nutritional quality. As part of the RIPE (Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency) project, a team from the University of Illinois achieved a significant breakthrough by genetically improving the photosynthetic pathway of potatoes. This development allowed the plants to withstand extreme temperatures, increasing the mass of their tubers by 30%.

Researchers at the University of California, Riverside (USA) have found a way to remove toxic compounds from potatoes and tomatoes, making them safer to eat and easier to store. The breakthrough could reduce food waste and improve crop production in extreme conditions, such as space. This is reported by Science Daily. It is explained that potato plants naturally produce chemicals that […]

“We are sending small winter radishes (800g to 1.2kg per radish) that are not preferred in the domestic market to overseas markets. We plan to expand exports of these winter radishes to help increase farm income.” This is what Kang Geum-ran, head of Seongsan Ilchulbong Agricultural Cooperative in Seogwipo, Jeju, who exports winter radishes, said. Since starting exports to the United States in 2007, Seongsan Ilchulbong Agricultural Cooperative has sold a total of 15,381 tons of winter radishes overseas as of the first half of this year. More than 90% of the exported volume went to the United States. “While looking for a ‘low-quality’ consumer that was not receiving a fair price domestically, we focused on the Korean market in the United States and started exporting,” explained Kang. “The local response was enthusiastic, so orders gradually increased, and now winter radishes have established themselves as a representative domestic export agricultural product.” Seongsan Ilchulbong Agricultural Cooperative is also working to diversify its export target countries. Kim Mi-jeong, head of the Agricultural Products Distribution Center (APC), said, “Malaysia and Singapore are popular travel destinations for our people, so there is a steady demand for Korean restaurants,” and added, “We plan to increase exports to Southeast Asian countries.” Recently, the export season has also been adjusted. The so-called ‘export season’ is from December to March of the following year, but exports began at the end of October last year and early November this year. Director Kim explained, “If the export season is extended, export volume naturally increases.” In fact, the export volume for 2023 was 1,381 tons, a 32% increase from 2022 (1,047 tons). Seongsan Ilchulbong Agricultural Cooperative’s export target for this year is 1,500 tons. Director Kang emphasized, “Starting this year, even export logistics cost support has been discontinued, so it is not easy to encourage farmers to export,” and “Government and local government support for export farmers must be supported.” Jang Ji-yoon, head of the food business division of Nonghyup Economic Holdings, said, “We will devise various support measures to expand winter radish exports in order to stabilize domestic supply and increase farm income.” Reporter Ham Gyu-won from Seogwipo