Seo Samseok: Higher Proportion of Domestic Agricultural, Livestock, and Fishery Products at Rest Areas

Korea Expressway Corporation Introduces New Evaluation Index for "Promotion of Domestic Agricultural Products"
"Improving Calorie Self-Sufficiency Rate Through Facility Inspections at Airports and Ports"

Seosamsuk, Member of the National Assembly.

The proportion of domestically produced ingredients used in food sold at highway rest areas in Korea is expected to increase.

According to data submitted by Democratic Party lawmaker Seo Samseok (Yeongam, Muan, and Shinan in South Jeolla Province) from Korea Expressway Corporation, a new evaluation indicator called "Promotion of Domestic Agricultural Products," which awards extra points for using domestic agricultural, livestock, and marine products, has been introduced in the rest area service operation evaluation index since last month.

Last year, the best-selling foods at highway rest areas were walnut pastries and udon, and it was revealed that the main ingredients, walnuts and noodles, were both 100% imported.

In response, the Korea Expressway Corporation began operating a new "Promotion of Domestic Agricultural Products" indicator last month, which awards 3 out of a total of 12 points in the F&B (food & beverage) innovation score within the "Rest Area Service Operation Evaluation."

Seo stated, "If the establishment of the 'Promotion of Domestic Agricultural Products' indicator, which awards extra points during the reevaluation of rest area operators by the Korea Expressway Corporation, leads to increased use of domestic products, we can expect significant ripple effects, such as improving the economic conditions of farmers and fishers," adding, "In the future, we will work to improve the calorie self-sufficiency rate by checking the proportion of domestic products at all public transportation facilities, including airports and ports, as well as through research on measures to promote domestic agricultural products by the Korea Expressway Corporation."

Meanwhile, Seo reviewed the actual proportion of domestic products during a parliamentary audit last October and urged the use of domestic ingredients through several meetings with the Korea Expressway Corporation. In response, the corporation suggested measures such as ▲ revitalizing local food direct transaction markets ▲ awarding extra points in rest area service evaluations for using domestic agricultural products ▲ preparing measures to promote domestic agricultural products through research.