vue - Local farmers band together to mitigate fallout from Korea-China FTA FTA 임산물 수

With the Korea-China free trade agreement set to take effect next year,... local farmers are banding together to mitigate the possible negative effects. From new cultivation methods to fresh export strategies,... our Sohn Jung-in has more. Oakwood mushrooms cultivated in this greenhouse grow from sawdust trunks instead of oak tree hardwood. This cheaper and easier method was introduced years ago, with eyes on competing with low-price oak mushrooms from China. But now, the original way is making a comeback as a high-income source. "Oakwood mushrooms that grow on hardwood have a stronger smell and taste that is relished by Asians. We produce quality mushrooms targeting high-class Chinese consumers to differentiate ourselves." Up until now, local mushroom farms focused their business on the domestic market. But in light of the Korea-China free trade pact, expected to go into effect next year, they are now searching for new targets in China as a possible niche market. Manufacturers across the country gathered recently to discuss ways to increase the competitiveness of Korea′s forest product export industry. "This year, we invited forest product farmers to join hands with local trading companies to export together." They plan to improve the quality of not only their mushrooms, but other forest products such as chestnuts and persimmons. "We need to take the FTA crisis as an opportunity to establish a strong foothold in Chinese market." As implementation of the Korea-China FTA grows near, farmers and officials in the forest and agriculture industry are exercising wisdom and employing a strategy that is in the best interest of the country and its future. Sohn Jung-in, Arirang News.