‘Wando Jayeon Geudaero Mi (Rice)’ Expands into the Russian Market

Exports to Russia Following Malaysia and the United States

Wando County held a ceremony at the Wando Nonghyup Federation RPC to commemorate the export of Wando rice, "Wando Jayeon Geudaero Mi," to Russia. (Photo by Wando County)

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Kyungpil] Wando County, Jeollanam-do announced on the 22nd that it held a ceremony on the 19th at the Wando Nonghyup Federation RPC to export Wando rice, ‘Wando Jayeon Geudaero Mi (米),’ to Russia.

About 120 people attended the ceremony, including Shin Woo-cheol, Wando County Governor, Jo In-ho, Chairman of the Wando County Council, county council members, officials from the Rural Development Administration, Jeonnam Agricultural Research and Extension Services, Wando County branch of the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation, NH Nonghyup Trade, heads of Wando Nonghyup and town/village cooperative heads, and farmers.

The 18 tons of ‘Wando Jayeon Geudaero Mi (米)’ that set off for export to Russia were shipped from Busan Port on the 22nd through NH Nonghyup Trade, and upon arrival at Korsikov Port in Sakhalin, Russia, they will be distributed to the Uzbek rice market in Sakhalin Province and supermarkets in Vladivostok.

In particular, an export agreement was signed for about 150 tons annually, totaling 700 tons over five years, securing a stable sales channel.

‘Wando Jayeon Geudaero Mi (米)’ is a Saecheongmu variety developed by the Jeollanam-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services, selected as a representative brand of Jeonnam, and is well received by consumers for its excellent taste.

Since 2017, Wando County has been pioneering rice export routes, and after obtaining Halal certification, it exported rice to Malaysia at the end of 2018 and to New Jersey, USA, in 2019.

To produce and distribute high-quality rice, Wando County secured 2 billion KRW in project funds for the construction of a Drying and Storage Facility (DSC) through the selection of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs’ high-quality rice distribution project and supplemented the Grain Processing Complex (RPC) facilities to improve infrastructure.

Additionally, education and on-site consulting are being promoted to obtain Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification for the contract cultivation complex (250 hectares).

Mr. Jeong Jong-ho, who cultivates rice, said, “Working with the Agricultural Technology Center’s Food Crops Team, we developed farming methods using seaweed, oyster shells, seawater, EM liquid fertilizer, and fish meal compost, producing rice with excellent taste and quality, and it is rewarding to export it all the way to Russia.”

Shin Woo-cheol, Wando County Governor, said, “Expanding export routes to Russia following Malaysia and the USA is proof that Wando Jayeon Geudaero Mi (米) is recognized for its quality both domestically and overseas. We will continue to expand agricultural policies to enhance the brand competitiveness of Wando rice and improve farmers’ income.”

Meanwhile, Wando County plans to promote the upgrading of Wando rice quality and reduction of production costs through various pilot projects such as the highest quality rice production base complex, rice and mixed grain exports, specialty colored barley, and processed rice businesses.

Furthermore, to foster sustainable eco-friendly agriculture, the county plans to systematically expand projects such as organic fertilizer, soil conditioners, organic farming soil, eco-friendly agricultural materials, support for small agricultural machinery, and joint pest and disease control projects.

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