WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • DECEMBER 2024 73 government will also induce the scale-up of the laver farming industry by giving preferential treatment to small-scale farms that consolidate and incorporate as fisheries corporations. Technologies that can automate laver farming, such as equipment that automatically transfers the harvested laver to land, will be developed and distributed to reduce the labor burden and production costs at laver farming sites. Improving the efficiency of processing and distribution through scale-up and smart technology We plan to review mid- to long-term measures to organize and scale up the 300 dried laver industries, including support for the establishment of the ‘Dried Laver Cooperative (tentative name)’ and to help conversion of laver processing plants into smart plants in cooperation with the Ministry of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Startups (MSS). This will strengthen competitiveness and support innovation of SMEs and Micro Enterprises (MEs) starting next year. To resolve the shortage of logistics facilities in Jeollanam-do, the main production area of fresh laver, a new Jeollanam-do Production Base Distribution Center (FPC) will be built, and the Naju Consumer Distribution Center (FDC) will be expanded to reduce logistics costs. In addition, the government will build a seafood export complex in Mokpo by 2026 to house laver processing and exporting companies to support R&D and exports and also push for establishing a dry laver exchange to secure transparency in laver transactions and reduce transaction costs. Additional plans include improving the accuracy of supply and demand forecasts by upgrading the forecast model and accumulating and supplementing related data. This information will be provided to the industry. Increase the Brand Value of K-Gim to Expand Domestic and Foreign Markets We will make our laver, Gim, become a globally recognized brand. Previously, laver was used overseas under various names such as Nori, Laver, and Seaweed, making it difficult to spread the brand. Accordingly, we will spread Gim, the English name for Korean laver, and promote international standardization (the Codex Alimentarius Commission, CODEX) so that our laver product standards can become global. Recognition as an international standard is expected to ease non-tariff barriers and boost exports. In addition, we plan to introduce a laver grading system so that consumers can easily distinguish good laver and producers can differentiate prices according to laver quality, thereby encouraging the production of highquality laver. In November this year, we will open an overseas trade support center in Paris, France, to continue exploring the European laver market. In addition, we will support the development of various new products, such as Laver snacks and sauces, using laver to meet the preferences of domestic consumers, creating a diverse consumer market beyond rice side dishes. In addition, we will support discount events (up to 50%) both online and offline and strengthen publicity targeting future consumers such as infants, toddlers, and teenagers. Establishing governance and fostering research capacity and human resources We will also strengthen governance between government and industry to respond closely to current issues in the laver industry, such as price, supply, and demand. The government and the laver industry will sign a mutually beneficial MOU to discuss production direction and respond to supply and demand insecurity by regularly operating a laver industry council that includes the seed, aquaculture, processing, and export industries. In addition, the government will activate self-help funds to increase the capacity of the private sector to control supply and demand and promote consumption. We will expand the size and function of the Laver Research Institute to strengthen research and development capabilities. In addition, we plan to train and foster new human resources by leasing some of the newly developed aquaculture farms to young returnees, thereby increasing the sustainability of the laver industry. Minister Kang (MOF) said, “Gim is a food that is loved by Koreans as a side dish, Gimbap, etc., and is now being reborn as a food that people around the world love,” and added, “We will do our best to ensure that people can easily consume it and solidify the status of Korean laver (Gim) in the global market through measures to strengthen the competitiveness of the laver industry.” Cultured Pyropia yezoensis. We will make our laver, Gim, become a globally recognized brand. Previously, laver was used overseas under various names such as Nori, Laver, and Seaweed, making it difficult to spread the brand. Accordingly, we will spread Gim, the English name for Korean laver, and promote international standardization (the Codex Alimentarius Commission, CODEX) so that our laver product standards can become global. Recognition as an international standard is expected to ease non-tariff barriers and boost exports.
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