Andong Agriculture Sets a New Stage

First Local Food Ordinance Passed
Laying the Foundation for Small and Medium-Sized Farms to Thrive

Andong City's local food policy has secured an institutional foundation for full-scale implementation.

The ordinance bill on fostering and supporting local food in Andong City, sponsored by Assemblywoman Saerom Kim (Songha-dong, Bukhu-myeon, Seohu-myeon), was passed in its original form by the Economic and Urban Committee during the 263rd 2nd regular session on December 3, signaling changes to the region's agricultural structure.

Assemblyman Saerom Kim (Songha-dong, Bukhu-myeon, Seohu-myeon)

Assemblywoman Kim sponsored the local food ordinance bill after gathering input from small and medium-sized farms for over a year by working in the field.

This ordinance establishes a legal basis for Andong City to pursue a comprehensive food policy, including the establishment of an integrated food support center, the introduction of a local food certification system, the opening of specialized stores and direct transaction markets, support for community-supported agriculture (CSA), expansion of local food in school and daycare public meals, and the designation of a Local Food Day.

With the implementation of the ordinance, citizens will have access to fresh and safe local agricultural products at reasonable prices, and the supply of eco-friendly local food for school and public meals will be expanded. Markets and educational programs to strengthen communication between producers and consumers are also expected to be activated.

Above all, there are high expectations in the local agricultural sector as small and medium-sized farms will be able to secure stable, fixed sales channels.

It is analyzed that planned production and the organization of farms could inject new vitality into the rural economy.

Assemblywoman Saerom Kim stated, "Local food is not about short-term competition, but about sustainable establishment," adding, "I hope that farmers, the administration, and citizens will work together to nurture local food, making it a source of hope for small and medium-sized farms."

The ordinance bill was co-sponsored by Assemblymembers Kim Kyungdo, Kim Sangjin, Jeong Boksun, Lee Jaegap, and Woo Changha.

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