Jeollanam-do has begun collecting Gorosoe tree (Acer mono) sap across nine cities and counties, mainly in mountainous areas such as Baegunsan Mountain in Gwangyang and Jirisan Mountain in Gurye. This year, sap is expected to be harvested from about 108,000 Gorosoe trees covering approximately 6,885 hectares, with total output estimated at 1.603 million liters, about 20 percent higher than last year.
A total of 505 forestry households are participating in this year’s harvest. Estimated production by area includes about 130,000 liters in Suncheon, 900,000 liters in Gwangyang, 130,000 liters in Damyang, and 275,000 liters in Gurye. Collection and sales will continue through March, and average income per participating household is expected to remain around 12 million won. Gorosoe sap provides an important source of seasonal income during the winter off-season.
Starting this year, an eco-friendly farming subsidy program will be provided to selected households, generating an estimated additional income of about 2.48 billion won in total. In addition to sap sales, participating households may also receive forestry-related direct payments, further strengthening overall income stability.
Jeollanam-do plans to expand outreach so that more households can benefit from eco-friendly certification support. The province will also hold expert training sessions in early February to explore broader support measures for other forest products.
Gorosoe sap is sold at approximately 50,000 to 70,000 won per 18-liter container and is available in various package sizes ranging from 0.5 liters to 18 liters. Sales locations include the Suncheon Nonghyup Seomyeon Branch and Farmers’ Market, the Gwangyang Baegunsan Gorosoe Producers’ Cooperative, the Damyang Sansim Producers’ Cooperative, the Gurye Gorosoe Producers’ Cooperative, and the Jangseong Namchang Gorosoe Producers’ Cooperative.
Sap collection depends on sufficient temperature differences between daytime and nighttime conditions. As climate variability may affect harvesting conditions, Jeollanam-do is also reviewing measures such as supporting processed product development to help diversify income sources for producers.
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Source: Jeollanam-do Provincial Government© Korea.info