Gokseong-gun Officially Begins Branding Black Glutinous Corn as a Regional Specialty

Local Governments, Nonghyup, and Farmers Join Hands in Early Cultivation and Customized Production Complex Projects

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Chunsu] Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do announced on the 22nd that it has finalized the black glutinous corn pilot project to be promoted this year, accelerating the regional branding.

First is the early cultivation pilot project using non-woven fabric tunnels. This aims to increase farmers' income by harvesting about one month earlier than the usual corn harvest time. The other is the additional establishment of a consumer-customized glutinous corn production complex.

The glutinous corn shipped from the complex is supplied to the market through stable sales channels via contract farming with Gokseong Nonghyup and Okwa Nonghyup.

In line with the pilot project, Gokseong-gun plans to distribute the shipment of black glutinous corn to avoid the flood harvest season.

To this end, black glutinous corn will be planted on an area of 3 hectares in mid-March and shipped first around the end of June.

Then, from early April, open-field cultivation will begin, and the seasonal black glutinous corn will be introduced to the market from mid-July.

The black glutinous corn produced in Gokseong-gun has established itself as a local specialty with its savory taste and chewy texture. This is because the large day-night temperature difference in the foothills of Jirisan Mountain is favorable for cultivating crops such as fruits and glutinous corn. In particular, the black glutinous corn from Samgi-myeon in Gokseong-gun is excellent in taste, texture, and volume.

As the savory taste spreads by word of mouth, more consumers want direct transactions. Accordingly, until now, farmers have individually promoted direct transactions.

However, this year, black glutinous corn will also be available at the local food direct store operated by Okwa Nonghyup. Additionally, as local Nonghyups take the lead in securing sales channels such as online sales, farmers can focus on producing high-quality black glutinous corn. Furthermore, Okwa Nonghyup helps solve labor issues caused by aging by directly raising young corn through the Nonghyup nursery.

The Samgi Black Glutinous Corn Farming Association, a producer group, processes and sells black glutinous corn harvested during the flood harvest season as frozen products for easy enjoyment as a winter delicacy. Currently, it is available for purchase year-round through online shopping malls such as Naver Smart Store.

The county is also focusing on farmer education to improve quality amid the popularity of black glutinous corn. As it becomes a local specialty, farmers' enthusiasm for education is very high. Participation in expert training sessions invited from the Corn Research Institute under the Gangwon-do Technology Institute, held every early year, is increasing.

This year, high-quality stable production education was conducted through the New Year Practical Education for Farmers in January, and further education is planned for farmers participating in the glutinous corn production complex pilot project.

A county official stated, “The branding of black glutinous corn is progressing steadily through cooperation among the county, local Nonghyups, and producer groups,” and added that various efforts will be made to increase agricultural income.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.