Standardized grading and joint processing strengthen product quality and stable supply.
Haenam sweet potatoes, a representative local specialty of Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do, are strengthening their distribution competitiveness by entering Seoul’s Garak Wholesale Market through a joint shipment system led by small-scale farms.
According to Haenam-gun, the first shipment of eight tons was made on the 4th, and shipments will continue twice a week throughout the year. At present, approximately 1,000 tons of sweet potatoes have been secured through the Haenam Sweet Potato Production and Distribution Association, and supplies will be released to the market in stages.
Previously, shipments were made mainly by individual farms, which resulted in wide variations in quality and fragmented supply, making it difficult to maintain stable prices. To address these structural challenges, Haenam-gun formed the Haenam Sweet Potato Production and Distribution Association in July last year, centered on small-scale producers, and established an organized shipment system that jointly manages the entire process from production and sorting to shipment.
Through joint shipments, the association has consolidated volumes and applied standardized grading criteria to improve quality consistency, while also securing a shipment base that enables stable supply through June and July of the following year. In addition, the precision of washing, drying, and sorting processes has been strengthened, operating hours of washing and drying lines have been extended, and a standardized 22-grade sorting system has been introduced to further enhance uniformity and marketability.
Haenam-gun plans to minimize price declines by distributing shipment volumes through scheduled releases using storage facilities, while maintaining stable trading relationships with wholesale markets.
An official from Haenam-gun said, “Through continuous joint shipments and strict quality control led by the production and distribution association, we aim to strengthen trust in wholesale markets and ensure this leads to higher farm income,” adding, “We will continue to actively support organized participation by small-scale farms and field-based quality management so that stable shipments and fair price formation can be sustained while preserving the reputation of Haenam sweet potatoes.”
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Source: Haenam-gun Office© Korea.info