Gyeongnam 'Geumsil' Strawberries Set to Be Exported to the U.S. Nationwide for the First Time

Gyeongnam Agricultural Research & Extension Services Earns 100 Million KRW in Royalties from 10 Tissue-Cultured Seedlings

On the 8th, the Gyeongnam Agricultural Research and Extension Services announced that their self-developed strawberry variety 'Geumsil' has signed a seedling export contract with the United States.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Hwang Choi Hyun-joo] The Gyeongnam Agricultural Research and Extension Services announced on the 8th that its self-developed strawberry variety ‘Geumsil’ has signed a seed export contract with the United States.

This is significant as it marks the first time nationwide that a domestically developed strawberry variety, created with Korean technology, is being exported to the seed powerhouse United States with royalties.

Developed by the Agricultural Research and Extension Services in 2016, the ‘Geumsil’ strawberry is an early-harvest variety for forced cultivation. It is characterized by high sugar content, less sourness, a peach-like aroma and rich flavor when fully ripe, and excellent texture. Additionally, its attractive fruit shape is highly favored by consumers.

The contract details include supplying 10 tissue-cultured Geumsil strawberry seedlings from Gyeongnam to the United States, with royalties amounting to approximately 100 million KRW, including the contract payment, received from the company.

Furthermore, the contract permits seedling production, sales, and fruit sales within the United States but prohibits the re-export of seedlings and strawberry fruits back to Korea.

Yoon Hye-sook, a researcher at the Gyeongnam Agricultural Research and Extension Services, stated, “We will continue to develop excellent strawberry varieties at a global level. We will focus our research capabilities to ensure that Gyeongnam strawberries give hope to farmers and eventually capture the global strawberry market.”

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