Gokseong-gun Receives Positive Response to Premium Apple Production Training

Operation of On-site Practical Training for Apple Pruning Experts at the 12th Gokseong Premium Agricultural University

[Gokseong=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Cha Jong-sun] Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do (Governor Lee Sang-cheol) announced that on the 17th, the premium agriculture university's apple pruning expert trainees conducted on-site apple education in the areas of Muju-gun and Jinan-gun, Jeollabuk-do.

The trainees visited leading farms cultivating various apple varieties to observe the tree shapes and pruning conditions by variety.

Through this, they recalled the practical training conducted at fellow trainees' farms in January and spent time learning effective apple pruning management techniques.

To prepare for this year's early Chuseok, they also exchanged opinions on coloring and quality management techniques for the Hongro variety.

Additionally, they shared vivid on-site know-how through Q&A sessions on issues that may arise during growth, such as sunburn and leaf scorch prevention through summer soil and moisture management, and pest and disease control after the rainy season.

Trainee A said, "It was difficult to gain various on-site training experiences due to COVID-19, but this premium agriculture university has rekindled my passion for learning. It was a meaningful time for producing premium apples."

The Gokseong Premium Agriculture University has been operating since 2011 and is now in its 12th term this year.

So far, it has produced 604 graduates across 16 courses including facility horticulture experts, agro-food processing, and Korean beef.

It plays a leading role in cultivating professional agricultural personnel from production to processing and the sixth industrialization.

This year, the Gokseong Premium Agriculture University is operating a total of 23 sessions and 102 hours aimed at strengthening apple pruning capabilities and training pruning experts.

Since opening in January, 15 winter and summer pruning training sessions have been conducted until July.

In autumn, pruning education focusing on the slender spindle shape, the main tree shape in Gokseong-gun, is planned.

Gokseong=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Cha Jong-sun hss79@asiae.co.kr