The Watermelon Association of Gochang County, Jeonbuk, received the Grand Prize in the 'Best Quality Agricultural Produce Production Complex' evaluation hosted by the Rural Development Administration on the 16th.
The Watermelon Association of Gochang County, Jeonbuk, received the Grand Prize in the 'Best Quality Agricultural Produce Production Complex' evaluation hosted by the Rural Development Administration on the 16th. Provided by Gochang County
According to the county on the 17th, the evaluation was conducted by a panel consisting of the Rural Development Administration, external agricultural experts, and citizen judges. In the first round, seven sites were selected, and after a second round of presentations, the Watermelon Association of Gochang County was chosen as the Grand Prize winner.
The Watermelon Association of Gochang County was established in 2020 by merging seven watermelon farming groups to promote the branding of Gochang watermelons. Currently, 257 members cultivate watermelons on 331 hectares, striving to uphold the reputation of Gochang watermelons.
Most members have obtained Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification, and to practice sustainable agriculture, they have also acquired low-carbon agricultural and livestock product certification. The association played a leading role in registering Gochang watermelon for geographical indication, resulting in its registration as Geographical Indication Agricultural Product No. 116 on September 20 last year.
The Gochang County Agricultural Technology Center, in line with the geographical indication registration, established a strategy to promote Gochang watermelons as a premium brand. From the end of May to June this year, a limited quantity of 5,000 premium Gochang watermelons was launched at Shinsegae and Hyundai Department Stores, as well as at Gochang Market.
Notably, at an auction event held in front of the main branch of Shinsegae Department Store to commemorate the first launch, a single Gochang watermelon was sold for an impressive 5 million won, setting a remarkable record and clearly demonstrating how consumers perceive the brand value of Gochang watermelons.
A county official stated, "With the Watermelon Association of Gochang County being selected as the Best Quality Agricultural Produce Production Complex this year, we have once again been recognized for our reputation as a major watermelon-producing region. We will continue to actively support the production of the highest quality Gochang watermelons through ongoing quality control and marketing, so that Gochang watermelons are recognized not only in Korea but also worldwide."
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