Gov't to assist localization of vegetable seed production

SEOUL, Feb. 17 (Yonhap) -- The government said Wednesday it plans to assist in
the localization of vegetable seed production to improve South Korea's
agriculture competitiveness.
A total of 2.47 billion won (US$2.16 million) in state support has been set aside
this year to get South Korean seed producers that have overseas operations to
return to the country, the Korea Seed and Variety Service (KSVS) said.
Many local seed growers have moved overseas to take advantage of lower labor
costs and better weather conditions. Companies have also been able to produce
more seeds more cheaply if they set up production agreements with overseas
farmers.
The service said relocation could improve the country's farm industry
infrastructure, boost earnings for rural communities and prevent local plant
resources from leaving the country.
Protecting plant resources and their genetic makeup has become an important part
of modern agriculture as it can add value to crops, the service said.
The KSVS, which is under the farm ministry, said that it will give initial
support to radish and cabbage seed producers to help lure them back to South
Korea.
Relocation will be encouraged through direct subsidies of up to 50 percent of
overall costs, it added. Only companies that have more than three years
experience in foreign seed production can apply for state support.
"If all goes according to the plan, local seed production for cabbage and
radishes could rise to 40 percent by 2011 from just 22 percent at present," a
KSVS official said.
South Korea, in addition, will help support "radiation exposure growing methods"
that are used in the floral industry, she said.
Radiation is widely used in China and Japan in growing flowers because it causes
quick mutations.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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