Miryang recognized as the origin of Korean strawberries, has recently celebrated its first export of the 'Strawberry 1943' brand to Thailand. This event underscores the city's objective to expand its agricultural products on a global scale, with a particular emphasis on its strawberries. A ceremony held on January 15 at the Miryang Agricultural Technology Center marked the occasion, shipping a total of 260 kilograms to Thailand.
In preparation for this milestone, Miryang, through its subsidiary Miryang Agro Corporation, has been designated as an Export Quarantine Zone, setting up infrastructure that meets international standards for the sorting, inspection, and packaging of its agricultural produce. This development is pivotal for the entry of Miryang strawberries into the Thai market and serves as a foundation for further expansion into other key Asian markets, including Hong Kong, Singapore, and Vietnam, with an ambitious export target of over 200 tons of strawberries annually.
Miryang's strawberries, known for their sweetness and aroma, benefit from the local climate's abundant sunshine and significant diurnal temperature variation. Currently, around 1,200 farms cultivate strawberries over 540 hectares in Miryang, with an annual production of approximately 17,000 tons. The region's strawberries have already gained a foothold in the Asian market, particularly in Hong Kong, where 70 to 100 tons are exported annually.
The 'Strawberry 1943' brand pays homage to the origins of Korean strawberry cultivation, initiated in 1943 by Song Jun-saeng with the planting of 10 strawberry seedlings from Japan in Miryang. This move not only signifies the city's historical contribution to Korean agriculture but also represents Miryang's ambition to position its strawberries as a leading global agricultural brand. As Miryang continues to focus on quality improvement and market expansion, it aims to enhance regional agricultural growth and increase farmers' incomes.
Source: KoreaPost