Gangwon Councilor Eom Yunsun: "No New Special-Use Crop Varieties Developed"

Pointed Out During Provincial Assembly Audit of Agricultural Research Institute
"6 Out of 7 New Varieties Developed in the Past 2 Years and 9 Months Were Staple Crops"

Eom Yunsun, Member of Gangwon Provincial Assembly. Provided by Gangwon Provincial Assembly

It has been found that over the past 2 years and 9 months, the Gangwon Provincial Agricultural Research and Extension Services developed only 7 new crop varieties, with most of these being staple crops. In contrast, the development of new varieties for horticultural and special-use crops was extremely limited, raising concerns about the increasing imbalance among crop types.

According to an analysis by Eom Yunsun, Chair of the Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Committee of the Gangwon Provincial Assembly, based on data submitted by the Gangwon Provincial Agricultural Research and Extension Services for the 2025 administrative audit, a total of 7 new crop varieties were developed by the institute from 2023 through the end of September this year. By year, there were 3 cases in 2023, 1 case last year, and 3 cases as of the end of September this year.

There were significant discrepancies depending on the type of crop.

Of the total 7 new varieties, staple crops accounted for the majority, with 3 developed in 2023, 1 last year, and 2 as of the end of September this year.

In contrast, no horticultural crops were developed in 2023 or last year, and only 1 new horticultural variety was developed as of the end of September this year. During the same period, there were no new special-use crop varieties developed at all.

Eom Yunsun stated, "In terms of percentage, new staple crop varieties accounted for 86% (6 cases) during this period, which is overwhelmingly high, while horticultural crops and special-use crops accounted for only 14% (1 case) and 0% (0 cases), respectively, highlighting the severe disparity among crop types." She called for greater efforts to improve farm incomes by expanding the development and distribution of new varieties of horticultural and special-use crops, which have higher added value.