At the 27th National Rice Festival, held from November 19 to 21 in Sejong City’s SingSing Marketplace, Gyeongsangbuk-do (Gyeongbuk) solidified its status as a top rice-producing region. Among the festival’s competitive entries, Yecheon’s Kim Tae-wan was awarded the prestigious Presidential Award for his “Misojinpoom” rice. This honor is the highest recognition in the event, showcasing the excellence of Gyeongbuk rice on a national stage.
Other Gyeongbuk farmers also achieved significant accolades:
- Chilgok’s Song Bong-dal earned the Rural Development Administration Award (Silver) for another “Misojinpoom” rice variety.
- Yeongju’s Lee Kang-sik received the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation President’s Award (Bronze) for “Samgwang” rice.
The Rigorous Selection Process
The event, hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs and organized by the Korean Rice Farmers Federation, is the country’s most authoritative rice quality competition. This year, rice samples from nine provinces underwent a comprehensive evaluation that included:
- Pesticide Residue Testing: Ensuring food safety compliance.
- Grain Quality Analysis: Measuring factors such as the proportion of perfect grains, moisture levels, and protein content.
- Taste Testing: Evaluating the eating quality by expert panels.
From the initial provincial screenings, 63 rice samples reached the finals, showcasing the highest standards in Korean rice farming.
Gyeongbuk’s Commitment to Excellence
This triumph is attributed to the relentless efforts of Gyeongbuk’s farmers and the government’s focus on improving rice quality. Kim Ju-ryeong, director of the Agricultural Distribution Bureau of Gyeongbuk Province, emphasized the hard work of farmers and their contribution to building the “premium brand” reputation of Gyeongbuk rice. The province plans to expand its branding initiatives and enhance the competitiveness of local rice in both domestic and international markets.
The success of Gyeongbuk rice at the National Rice Festival serves as a reminder of the region’s agricultural strength and the dedication of its farming community. Continued support for branding and quality enhancement will further solidify its position as a leader in Korea’s rice industry.
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