[Naju=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yukbong] Yoon Byung-tae, mayor of Naju City, Jeollanam-do, visited the Naju City Hub APC site where pear sorting work is in full swing.
The city announced on the 13th that on the 12th, Mayor Yoon Byung-tae visited the Naju City Hub APC site where pear sorting and shipment are taking place, checked the work status, distribution volume, market price trends, and listened to on-site difficulties.
Yoon Byung-tae, Mayor of Naju, Visits Naju Hub APC Line Manager Ahead of Lunar New Year Holiday [Photo by Naju City]
According to the Naju City Cooperative Joint Business Corporation (CEO Park Young-woong) on that day, the volume of Naju pears sorted by nine agricultural cooperatives during this holiday season is about 3,719 tons, an increase of about 20% compared to the previous year.
The expected total production of 2022 Naju pears is about 48,843 tons. Due to low temperature damage and low incidence of fruit tree diseases, and good crop conditions, it is expected to increase by 45.2% from 33,636 tons the previous year.
CEO Park Young-woong said, "Despite the busy city administration ahead of the Seollal holiday, we appreciate the mayor’s direct visit to encourage the workers," and added, "We will do our best in meticulous sorting and distribution so that Naju pears, guaranteed for taste, sweetness, and quality, can be presented as holiday gifts and on dining tables."
Recently surveyed pear prices are traded at a highest price of 52,000 KRW and an average price of 25,000 to 28,000 KRW based on 15kg premium grade.
Mayor Yoon Byung-tae said, "I thank the pear farmers and distribution organization officials who are silently doing their best in their respective roles so that Naju pears can establish themselves as a global luxury fruit brand despite difficult conditions."
He added, "We will make 2023 the first year for the production and development of high-quality luxury Naju pears and ensure that farmers receive noble treatment commensurate with their hard work."
Meanwhile, the city is the largest pear production area in the country, producing 33,636 tons, which is 16% of the national total production of 210,293 tons as of 2021, and it is expected to increase by more than 10,000 tons this year.
This year, the city plans to focus on implementing the ‘Naju Pear Quality Assurance System certified by the Naju Mayor,’ ‘Establishment of eco-friendly pear production and distribution system,’ ‘Expansion of high-quality domestic pear variety production complexes,’ ‘Fostering export specialized complexes and pioneering overseas markets,’ and ‘Measures to revitalize Naju pear consumption and distribution.’
Naju=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yukbong baekok@asiae.co.kr
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