Korean Organic Market Growing

WASHINGTON - Jan 30/07 - SNS -- South Korea's organic market continues to enjoy a positive growth profile, according to a recent report by the U.S. agricultural attache for the country.

The market increased substantially in 2005, especially for imported organic processed products. According to import data collected by the Korean Food and Drug Administration (KFDA), imported non-processed organic products increased by 76% (from $1.7 million to $3 million) in 2005.

These were mostly wheat and soybean products largely imported from China and used domestically to make processed organic tofu and other products. Imported processed organic products increase by 157% (from $12.6 million to $32.4 million) in 2005. These products came largely from the United States and about half were used as ingredients in the manufacturing sector. These included products for the manufacture of olive oil, juices and condiments.

Domestically produced organic products consisted mainly of fresh vegetables, some fruits, and grains. The Korean government plans to develop an organic certification program to help encourage farmers to increase the amount of organic production.

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