'K-Food Plus Export Tower' Open for Applications Until October 31... 'Innovation Partner Award' Newly Introduced This Year

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on September 30 that it will begin accepting applications from companies wishing to be awarded the 'K-Food Plus(+) Export Tower' from October 13 to 31.

Now in its third year, the K-Food+ Export Tower aims to encourage exports and recognize companies that have contributed to expanding exports. The award is given to companies that have achieved outstanding export performance in the agri-food or agri-industry sectors, including smart farms, agricultural machinery, fertilizers, pesticides, seeds, and pet food. A total of 50 companies will be selected, and the awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in December at the aT Center in Yangjae, Seoul.

The awards are divided into two categories: the 'Export Tower,' which is presented based on export performance, and the 'Theme Tower,' which is awarded based on performance indicators such as export growth rate. For the Export Tower, the 'Grand Prize' and 'Top Excellence Award' will be given to companies that have achieved export performance in the 100 million dollar and 10 million dollar ranges, respectively, and have increased their exports by more than 5% compared to the previous year. Companies achieving exports in the 1 million dollar range will be evaluated on their export growth rate and efforts to expand exports, and will be given the 'Excellence Award.' The eligibility criteria for the Grand Prize and Top Excellence Award have been eased from a requirement of a 10% or higher year-on-year export growth rate to a 5% or higher increase, lowering the threshold so that more companies can participate.

The Theme Tower consists of three types of awards: the 'Leap Award,' given to companies with a high year-on-year export growth rate; the 'Market Pioneer Award,' given to companies that have made significant contributions to entering new markets; and the 'Innovation Partner Award.'

The newly established Innovation Partner Award will be given to companies that have contributed to export expansion through innovative methods in production base establishment, agricultural technology expansion, or win-win collaboration. Companies may select one of these three areas when applying.

Export companies with export achievements in the agri-food and agri-industry sectors can apply through the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation's Export Support System from October 13 to 31.

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