Gwangyang Economic Zone Authority Steps Up to Help Plum Farmers During Busy Farming Season

Helping Plum Farmers in Gwangyang Area with Plum Harvesting Labor

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seonsik] The Gwangyang Bay Area Free Economic Zone Authority (Director Song Sangrak, hereinafter referred to as Gwangyang Economic Authority) visited plum farms in the Gwangyang area, which are struggling due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic and rising labor costs, to help with farm work as the full-scale farming season begins in June.

Gwangyang is a major production area for plums, producing about 20% of the national annual output.

However, plum production has significantly decreased due to last winter's cold damage, a decline in honeybee populations, and this spring's drought, causing deep concerns among farmers.

Additionally, the impact of COVID-19 has increased labor costs for farms, making it difficult to hire workers.

For this farm work assistance, about 20 employees of the Gwangyang Economic Authority helped with plum harvesting and sorting at two farms located in Daap-myeon, Gwangyang City, maintaining warm communication.

The farms expressed their gratitude, saying, "We were very worried about the lack of labor during the busy farming season, but despite the hot weather, the employees helped as if it were their own work, which was a great help."

A representative of the Gwangyang Economic Authority said, "Due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, there are difficulties in securing manpower, and farms are struggling, so we are glad to be able to offer some help. We will continue to participate in assisting rural labor in our region, share the difficulties of rural areas, and communicate with local residents."

Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seonsik hss79@asiae.co.kr

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