Yeoju City Council Successfully Concludes the 12th Legislative Forum on 'Differentiation Strategy for Yeoju Rice Industrial Special Zone'

Park Doo-hyung, Chairman of Yeoju City Council, held the 12th Legislative Forum on the theme of "Differentiation Strategy for Yeoju Rice Industrial Special Zone" on the 15th at the Eco-friendly Education Center of Yeoju Agricultural Technology Center.

The Yeoju City Council of Gyeonggi Province (Chairman Park Doo-hyung) announced on the 16th that it successfully held the 12th Legislative Forum on the 15th at the Eco-friendly Education Center of the Yeoju Agricultural Technology Center, under the theme "Differentiation Strategy for the Yeoju Rice Industry Special Zone."

More than 150 farmers and related officials attended the forum, exchanging various opinions to improve the quality and competitiveness of Yeoju rice and specifically discussing development plans as a special zone for the Yeoju rice industry.

The forum consisted of keynote presentations and Q&A sessions, with several experts from various fields, including Chairman Park Doo-hyung, presenting agricultural policies and practical directions.

In his keynote speech, Chairman Park Doo-hyung stated, "Now that the Rice Industry Special Zone Committee is fully operational, it is time to establish a groundbreaking turning point in Yeoju's agricultural structure. It is important to improve the organic matter content in the soil to enhance the milling quality of Yeoju rice, which will lead consumers to further recognize the value of Yeoju rice."

Kim Hyun-tae, president of the Federation of Agricultural Organizations, said, "Aggressive marketing and promotion are essential to expand sales of Yeoju rice, and it is important to reduce farmers' burdens and secure stable sales channels."

Jeon Chang-hyun, head of the Technology Extension Division at Yeoju Agricultural Technology Center, presented, "To maintain the high quality of Yeoju rice, we must increase the organic matter content and strengthen competitiveness through improving distribution networks."

Shin Dong-min, CEO of Yeoju Integrated RPC, emphasized, "To gain recognition for Yeoju rice's competitiveness in the national market, it is necessary to expand distribution channels and raise quality awareness."

Kim Jang-hoe, director of the Korea Rice Processed Food Association, explained through trends in the rice processed food industry that "rice processed foods can promote rice consumption and serve as an important alternative foundation for rice agriculture."

Lee Sang-hwi, director of the Agricultural Industry Joint Brand Activation Center, expressed his ambition, saying, "We will raise the awareness of Daewangnim-pyo rice to establish it as a national brand and promote Yeoju as a gourmet city to further enhance the value of Yeoju rice."

In his closing remarks, Chairman Park Doo-hyung emphasized, "Yeoju faces the task of achieving a revolutionary transformation in its agricultural structure as a rice industry special zone. For this, Yeoju City, the Nonghyup (National Agricultural Cooperative Federation), and farmers must unite." He added, "The Yeoju City Council will continuously support strengthening the Yeoju rice brand and fostering farmers' pride, and we will do our best in policy and budget planning to ensure that local agriculture becomes the foundation for development."