Gochang-gun, Jeollabuk-do announced on the 11th that it has been recognized as an excellent institution in pesticide residue analysis for three consecutive years in the ‘International Proficiency Testing (FAPAS: Food Analysis Performance Assessment Scheme)’ hosted by the Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA) under the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
This is the first time that an agricultural technology center in the province has received a ‘Satisfactory’ rating in the standard score (Z-SCORE) for three consecutive years, once again confirming that Gochang-gun’s pesticide residue analysis capability is at a world-class level.
The international proficiency testing is a global evaluation competition that analyzes and verifies pesticide residue components in agricultural products. Due to its high accuracy and reliability, government agencies, research institutes, and private analysis organizations from around the world participate every year.
The county analyzed the pesticide residues in cucumber agricultural product samples provided by the evaluation agency and submitted the analysis values of 12 pesticide components, all of which received suitable results, once again proving the excellence of its own analysis capabilities.
To meet the increasing number of analyses and timely shipment of agricultural products by farmers each year, the county secured 300 million KRW in provincial funds this year and is additionally establishing pesticide residue analysis equipment with a total project cost of 600 million KRW (300 million KRW from provincial funds and 300 million KRW from county funds).
In 2024, it is expected that more smooth services will be provided through full-scale operation.
Hyun Haeng-yeol, director of the Gochang-gun Agricultural Technology Center, said, “The international proficiency testing every year has become an opportunity to internationally recognize Gochang-gun’s excellent capabilities in pesticide residue analysis,” and added, “We will continue to do our best to ensure the safety of Gochang-gun agricultural products and enhance consumer trust.”
Gochang = Kim Jae-gil, Honam Reporting Headquarters, Asia Economy baekok@asiae.co.kr
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
