Gochang-gun Promotes Research Project on 'Gochang Local Food Safety Certification System'

[Gochang=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jaegil] Gochang-gun, Jeonbuk, is promoting a research project to introduce the ‘Gochang Local Food Safety Certification System,’ in which the county governor takes responsibility for certifying the safety and quality of agricultural, livestock, and marine products produced in the region.

According to the county on the 26th, the ‘Local Food Safety Certification System’ sets safety standards at a level that satisfies consumers from the production stage through processing and distribution stages to enhance the reliability of local food.

Subsequently, the head of the local government certifies that agricultural, marine, livestock products, and processed foods produced in the region are safe.

The research project task instructions include establishing a management system for the Gochang Local Food Safety Certification System, formulating a vision and promotion strategy for safety and quality management of Gochang local food, developing a brand that embodies the identity of Gochang local food, discovering linked and new projects in the safety and quality management field, and building an efficient certification system tailored to local conditions.

The county expects to respond to the increasing demand for high-quality eco-friendly agricultural specialty products and to prepare eco-friendly agricultural production methods aligned with consumer trends.

In particular, it is anticipated to create a virtuous cycle system for local agricultural specialty products, widely promote the excellence of Gochang agricultural products in large cities, and help increase farmers’ income.

The county plans to focus administrative efforts on the early establishment of the Gochang Local Food Safety Certification System and the successful implementation of the comprehensive local food plan (Food Plan) through enacting related ordinances in the first half of next year, discovering new projects for farmers, and providing education.

Park Seonggi, head of the Agricultural and Rural Food Division of the county, said, “Through the establishment of the Gochang Local Food Safety Certification System, farmers will produce high-quality, responsible food and earn stable income, and consumers will be able to enjoy safe and fresh food.”

He added, “We ask for farmers’ great interest and participation for the successful introduction and establishment of the certification system.”

Gochang=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jaegil gjg7070@asiae.co.kr