South Korea Vegetables insights

(Jeonju=Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Jin-bang = The Rural Development Administration announced on the 25th that domestically produced polyolefin (PO) films used in domestic greenhouse facilities have proven their performance in the field. South Korea ranks third globally in greenhouse cultivation area, with domestic greenhouses primarily constructed using ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or polyethylene (PE) films. While higher-quality polyolefin films are also partially used, most are still imported due to low domestic material reliability. The polyolefin film jointly developed by the Rural Development Administration and domestic companies was created by coating oxidation inhibitors externally and special additives that prevent water droplet accumulation internally. Compared to standard ethylene vinyl acetate films, it allows 15-20% more sunlight penetration, maintains greenhouse internal average temperature 1-1.3 degrees higher, and enables better water droplet flow. These characteristics have been maintained for over 4 years, receiving evaluations equivalent to Japanese products from the initial development stage. Domestic polyolefin films are approximately twice the price of ethylene vinyl acetate films but can reduce film replacement costs by 50-75% since replacement is not needed every 1-2 or 2-3 years. Research teams applied the domestic polyolefin film to melon greenhouses in November, when light and temperature are low, confirming fruit set 6-8 days faster and fruit size 25-27% larger compared to ethylene vinyl acetate films. A survey of 66 farms across 10 regions participating in film pilot projects showed functional satisfaction of 84 points (out of 100), with 94% of farmers willing to continue using the film. As of 2024, domestic polyolefin film usage is approximately 8,900 tons annually. Replacing 6,000 tons of imported films from Japan and China could generate a import substitution effect of 40.5 billion won. National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science Director Kim Myung-soo stated, "We expect companion growth of farmers and agricultural industries through excellent agricultural material distribution" and "Expanded distribution of high-functioning polyolefin films will improve crop productivity..."

On the 18th, the Korea Young Agricultural Managers Gangneung City Association conducted a joint cultivation site visit as part of their management improvement support project. Around 20 executives and board members of the Gangneung City Agricultural Association attended the site visit, where they checked the growth status of lettuce and performed tasks such as weeding. The association had conducted joint lettuce cultivation around May 20th, with a project scale of approximately 10,000 pyeong. The income generated from the lettuce harvest is planned to be used as a fund for revitalizing agriculture and rural areas in Gangneung City. Sim Jae-woong, president of the Gangneung City Agricultural Association, said, "Young agricultural managers in each region..."

On the 16th, Daea Produce and the Korea Rural Hope Foundation delivered a fund of 20 million won for renovation of high-altitude cabbage production facilities to the Taebaek Agricultural Cooperative Distribution and Processing Center. The delivery ceremony was attended by Choi Heung-sik, Chairman of the Korea Farmers Association Central Union, Lee Sang-yong, CEO of Daea Produce, Choi Nam-geun, Director of the Korea Rural Hope Foundation, Kim Byung-doo, Chairman of Taebaek Agricultural Cooperative, and Sohn Jae-ho, Chairman of the Taebaek Agricultural Cooperative Cabbage Direct Shipment Association, along with other related officials. The 2025 logistics equipment support project is based on a mutual growth fund jointly established by four wholesale market corporations of the Korea Agricultural Wholesale Market Corporation Association - Daea Produce, Seoul Produce, Jungang Produce, Donghwa Produce, and the Nonghyup Garak Auction Market.