Preliminary Demand Survey Begins for Contract Cultivation of Busan Specialty Rice 'Hwanggeum Yechan'

Securing Contract Farming Markets, Strengthening Local Brand Competitiveness
Optimized for Busan's Cultivation Conditions, Enhanced Quality of Specialized Variety

Are you familiar with Busan rice variety 'Hwanggeum Yechan'?

A preliminary demand survey is being launched to expand contract cultivation of this specialized rice variety developed in the Busan region.

The Busan Agricultural Technology Center (Director: Yoo Mibok) announced on February 1 that it will conduct a preliminary demand survey for contract cultivation of 'Hwanggeum Yechan' as part of the "2026 Early Expansion Pilot Project for Rice Varieties Developed with Consumer Participation." This initiative aims to promote wider cultivation of locally developed rice varieties and to ensure stable contract farming.

The demand survey will run until February 13 and is targeted at farmers cultivating rice in the Gangseo District of Busan. The results will serve as basic data for adjusting future contract cultivation volumes and selecting participating farms as the project moves forward.

Hwanggeum Yechan, the rice variety subject to this survey, was developed to suit the cultivation conditions of the Busan region. Through this project, the Agricultural Technology Center plans to increase the cultivation area for Hwanggeum Yechan and strengthen the competitiveness of the local rice brand.

Last year, 72 farms participated in the contract cultivation of Hwanggeum Yechan, producing 603 tons from 93 hectares. The entire production volume was supplied for school meals.

Applications for the demand survey are being accepted through the Gangseo District Administrative Welfare Center and the Eastern and Western branches of the Agricultural Technology Center. Farms selected for participation will sign contracts with the Garak Agricultural Cooperative and take part in the rice purchase program. Participating farms must complete Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) training and undergo soil testing to obtain GAP certification. This process is intended to ensure the safety and quality of rice supplied for public meal programs.

Farms participating in contract cultivation will receive support such as Hwanggeum Yechan seedling trays, fertilizers, other agricultural materials, and crop disaster insurance. Detailed support measures will be finalized during the contract process.

Yoo Mibok, Director of the Agricultural Technology Center, emphasized, "Based on last year's contract cultivation performance, we plan to conduct a more systematic demand survey. We will work to ensure that this leads to income stability for local farms and increased local rice consumption through linkage with public meal programs."

Busan Specialty Rice Hwanggeum Yechan.