Organizational Restructuring Since the 8th Popularly Elected Administration
Record KRW 186.5 Billion Agricultural Budget Invested
Gumi City in North Gyeongsang Province has proven its strengthened agricultural competitiveness by ranking first in the province for agri-food exports. In 2024, the city's agri-food export value reached $94 million, a sharp 47% increase compared to the previous year's $63.9 million.
Gumi City, Gyeongbuk, is celebrating while holding a banner for the G-FOOD Agricultural and Food Enterprise Council export shipment ceremony on April 23, 2024.
Processed food exports accounted for 73% of the total, establishing Gumi as a key hub for K-food. Major export items include ramen ($51.74 million), sauces ($8.83 million), and frozen gimbap ($8.08 million).
This achievement is the result of proactive support measures, including the reorganization of administrative departments and strengthening of policy development functions since the 8th popularly elected administration, as well as the allocation of a record agricultural budget of KRW 186.5 billion (9.98% of the total budget).
◆ Transition to High-Income Crops... Achievements in Diversifying Farm Income
Gumi City succeeded in producing 9 tons annually of citrus varieties such as Cheonhyehyang and Redhyang from five local farms (1.69 hectares) by introducing subtropical fruit cultivation technology. This year, KRW 960 million is being invested to further promote subtropical agriculture.
Additionally, the city succeeded in pilot cultivation of Hami melon, and now 25 farms (8 hectares) are engaged in full-scale production. The city also established a 'Wheat Valley Special Zone' focused on double cropping of wheat and soybeans, which generated 1.9 times higher profits compared to rice cultivation.
Notably, Gumi established North Gyeongsang Province's first wheat milling factory and launched the local flour brand 'Gumi Milgaru', achieving cumulative sales of 155 tons to date. The city has built a production, processing, and distribution package system in collaboration with 13 local bakery and confectionery companies, which is recognized as a leading example of regional cooperation.
◆ Expanding the Agricultural Value Chain through Processed Food Industry Development
In March this year, Gumi Agricultural College introduced a new 'Agri-food Processing Course' and is currently training 40 farmers in food processing technology.
In July, the city opened an 'Agri-food Processing Technology Center' in Seonsan-eup, equipped with 100 pieces of processing equipment for 68 different types of products. This facility allows any farmer to receive support throughout the entire process, from prototype development to commercialization.
◆ Expanding Sales Channels and Enhancing Brand Value
The Gumi Local Food Direct Market, which opened temporarily in April last year, surpassed KRW 10 billion in cumulative sales within two years and two months. Currently, 439 farms participate, contributing to increased farmer income and price stability for consumers.
At the 'Gumi Local Food Festa' held at Seoul Station Plaza last year, sales reached approximately KRW 200 million, raising awareness of the competitiveness of Gumi's agricultural products among consumers in the Seoul metropolitan area. On October 1-2 this year, Gumi plans to showcase representative agri-food products such as 'Gumi Milgaru' and 'Gumi Hanwoo' at Seoul City Hall Plaza.
◆ Strengthening Overseas Market Expansion through the G-Food Council
The 'G-Food' agri-food business council, launched in January 2024, currently includes 63 local companies. Four member companies have achieved export results worth KRW 1 billion to destinations including Saipan and Guam.
Gumi City is also implementing a variety of support measures, including: enhancing the safety of export agri-food products (KRW 246 million), dispatching trade delegations (KRW 150 million), strengthening brand competitiveness (KRW 16 million), and establishing a smart food-tech manufacturing base (KRW 5.8 billion). In the second half of the year, the city plans to dispatch trade delegations to the United States, Canada, and Guam to further expand overseas sales channels.
Gumi Mayor Kim Jangho stated, "We will combine the strengths of Gumi's agriculture and electronics industries to increase added value from production to processing and strengthen global competitiveness," adding, "The North Gyeongsang branch of the Korea Food Research Institute, scheduled to open in 2028, will become a key hub for regional agricultural innovation."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
