Uiseong Local Food Advances as a 'Premium Direct Transaction Store'... Earns Top Certification from Ministry of Agriculture and Food

A Trusted Platform Connecting 450 Local Farms and Consumers
Emerging as a National Model Example

On September 16, Uiseong County in North Gyeongsang Province announced that the Uiseong Local Food Direct Transaction Store has newly obtained certification as an 'Excellent Agricultural Product Direct Transaction Business Site' from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. This achievement is being recognized as a model case of a safe food distribution system that directly connects local farmers with consumers.

Gyeongbuk Uiseong Local Food, 'Direct Transaction Luxury Store.' Photo by Byunggeon Kwon

The 'Excellent Agricultural Product Direct Transaction Business Site Certification System' by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs grants certification after a comprehensive evaluation of strict criteria, including the proportion of direct transaction agricultural products handled, business operation systems, safety management, and producer organization.

This certification serves as a system that guarantees the reliability and sustainability of direct transaction stores and is regarded as a benchmark for high competitiveness nationwide.

The Uiseong Local Food Direct Transaction Store stood out in several areas, including a 100% handling rate of locally produced goods, systematic organization and shipment management of farms, and a supply system that ensures hygiene and safety, which led to its successful certification.

Since opening in December 2022, more than 450 local farms have participated, supplying fresh agricultural products directly to consumers. The store also reliably supplies products to schools and public meal services, faithfully fulfilling its role as a hub for local food distribution.

Kim Jusu, Governor of Uiseong County, stated, "This certification is a result of the local food policies that the county has consistently pursued," adding, "We will continue to do our best to not only increase farmers' incomes and expand sales channels, but also to provide consumers with safe and trustworthy food in a stable manner."

To overcome the risk of regional extinction, securing stable sales channels for local agriculture along with encouraging young people to settle in the area is a key challenge. The recent certification of the Uiseong Local Food Direct Transaction Store is significant not only as an operational achievement but also as institutional recognition of a structure that strengthens farmers' income base and provides consumers with reliable food. Attention is now focused on whether Uiseong can establish itself as a national model for local food success.