Gochang-gun Recognized for 'Excellence' in International Comparative Skill Assessment

[Gochang=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jaegil] The Jeonbuk Gochang-gun Agricultural Technology Center participated in the international proficiency testing program (FAPAS) conducted by the Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA) under the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and was recognized for its excellence in pesticide residue analysis capabilities.

According to the county on the 20th, the international proficiency testing program evaluates analytical capabilities in the fields of pesticide residues, heavy metals, and food additives. It is highly recognized and trusted internationally, with governments, research institutes, and private analytical organizations from around the world participating annually to verify their analytical skills.

The evaluation calculates the error range (Z-value) of participating institutions, rating an absolute value (Z-score) of 2 or less as "satisfactory," 2 to 3 as "questionable," and above 3 as "unsatisfactory." The closer to 0, the better the analysis results.

The Agricultural Technology Center participated in the pesticide residue category, analyzing pesticide residue components in lettuce agricultural product samples from the evaluation agency. As a result, all 11 submitted pesticide components were within the standard score range (±2.0), demonstrating excellence in analytical capability.

In particular, among the 11 pesticide components, Chlorpyrifos, Methidation, and Propyzamide recorded high accuracy within ±0.1.

The county has been operating the "Agricultural Product Safety Analysis Laboratory" since January, analyzing 320 pesticide residue components in school meal support centers, local food, and agricultural products at the production stage within the jurisdiction, contributing to the production of trustworthy Gochang agricultural products and receiving favorable reviews.

Hyun Haeng-yeol, director of the Agricultural Technology Center, said, "We have been recognized for international-level expertise and technical skills through the international proficiency testing program," adding, "We will do our best to secure the safety of county agricultural products and enhance consumer trust."

Gochang=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jaegil gjg7070@asiae.co.kr

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