Gochang Hangyeol Agricultural Cooperative Corporation Ranked No. 1 Nationwide in Seoul School Meal Supplier Selection

Supplying "Gochang Eco-Friendly Rice" to Schools and Daycare Centers

Gochang County in North Jeolla Province announced that Gochang Hangyeol Agricultural Cooperative Corporation (CEO Park Jongdae) was selected as the top producer nationwide in the "School Meal Eco-Friendly Agricultural Products and Grain Producers Selection Contest" conducted recently by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Agro-Fisheries & Food Corporation.

Exterior view of Gochang Hangyeol Agricultural Cooperative Corporation's eco-friendly rice processing plant. Provided by Gochang County

According to the county on November 13, this selection will allow Hangyeol Agricultural Cooperative Corporation to stably supply eco-friendly rice produced in Gochang to kindergartens, elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as daycare centers in Seoul for three years, starting next year through 2028.

Through this, Gochang eco-friendly rice will be supplied to 1,090 schools and 1,502 daycare centers in the Seoul area.

This evaluation was conducted for producer organizations nationwide through document screening, proposal presentations, and on-site and management assessments. Hangyeol Agricultural Cooperative Corporation received high scores in production facilities, food safety, and quality control, and was ultimately selected as the top producer nationwide.

The "Sugwang Rice" supplied by Hangyeol Agricultural Cooperative Corporation for school meals is an organically certified eco-friendly rice grown by Gochang farmers without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides, utilizing the golden apple snail farming method instead of herbicides.

In particular, "Sugwang Rice" is a premium table rice variety developed by the Rural Development Administration. It is highly regarded by consumers and school meal professionals due to its low amylose and protein content, which results in excellent stickiness and taste.

Park Jongdae, CEO of Hangyeol Agricultural Cooperative Corporation, said, "Being selected as the top supplier for school meals in Seoul proves the excellence of Gochang rice on a national level. We will continue to grow together with local farmers and consistently supply trustworthy eco-friendly rice for children's healthy meals."

County Governor Sim Deokseop stated, "Our eco-friendly rice ranking first in the Seoul school meal supply evaluation is a source of pride for our local agriculture and demonstrates the competitiveness of Gochang's farming sector. We will actively promote branding centered on our flagship variety, Sugwang Rice, to establish Gochang rice as Korea's leading eco-friendly brand."