Korea will host its first international eco-agriculture organic food expo next month with the vision of fostering a rich agricultural industry, the government said yesterday.
The 2005 Eco-Agriculture Organic Food Expo to take place in Uljin, North Gyeongsang Province, will gather organic food experts from 28 countries, allowing local farmers to gain insight into their know-how, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry said.
The event taking place from July 22 to Aug. 15 is expected to draw 500,000 visitors.
"This occasion will introduce new and innovative ways of food production to our farmers in this currently difficult time," Kim Yang-soo, the Uljin County administrator, said at a news briefing yesterday.
Korean farmers are pressured to find ways to compete in a market where greater challenges are expected with market liberalization. The government believes holding such environment-friendly food fair is timely, since many consumers today are seeking high-quality and safe agricultural products.
In addition to organic farms, the expo will feature a medley of events and programs ranging from eco-agriculture exhibitions and eco tunnel tours, to freshwater fish fishing and tours of special crops.
(sohjung@heraldcorp.com)

By Yoo Soh-jung