Over the preceding twenty long time , the decorative horticulture industry in the Republic of Korea has been in decline . Korean industry professional person offered their insights into why this is at the International Association of Horticultural Producers ( AIPH ) ’s Horticultural Industry Conference , held on 6 December 2024 in Suncheon , Republic of Korea , as part of the seventy-fifth AIPH Annual Congress .
Dr. Park Kihwan , Research Director at the Korea Rural Economic Institute ( KREI ) , face an overview of the ornamental horticulture diligence in the Republic of Korea over the past couple of decade . In 2005 , there was a peak in the industriousness in Korea . Park note : " In 1990 , the sales tax income was 239.3 billion Korean won . By 2005 , it had grown importantly to 1.105 trillion Korean won , indicating a maturation of approximately 400 % . However , in 2021 , it decreased to 538.2 billion Korean won . "
Why has the diligence declined in Korea ? Mr. Lim Yuktaek , President of the Korea Florist Association ( KFA ) and Korea Federation of Flower - Related Associations ( KOFLAS ) , attributed it to the public opinion on ornamental flowers . He annotate : " heyday are still perceive as a luxury expenditure . " Typically , flower are bought for events , such as weddings , and are not seen as a day - to - daytime purchase . Lim continued : " late economic downturns have also led to a reduction in consumer spending . "
To battle the industry ’s downslope , the Korean governing has initiated several programs to stomach growers and transfer public opinion . Park commented : " for maintain the industry in the hereafter , the administration established a consultation torso for the floriculture diligence . They project to provide subsidy for growers who ask to invest in their base . "
Other methods of supporting the industry include improving distribution arrangement , such as introduce electronic flower auction , ameliorate transparency in the imported sweeping mart , and generating consumer need for flowers .
An maturate industryAnother challenge for the Korean floriculture industry is the lack of vernal growers . From 2000 to 2020 , there was a 46 % reduction in the number of growers as young generations chose not to follow in their parent ’s footstep . In parliamentary procedure to combat this , the authorities has several strategies in billet . One such scheme is to provide unseasoned farmers who are starting flower finish with leased farms equip with bright farming technology .
Mr. Song Junho is one of the few young growers in the industry . At 28 , he is a Co - Operator in his parent ' agricultural company , Youngho . He was selected as Young Farmer 2022 by the Korean Ministry of Agriculture .
" People ask why I go into land , " Song enjoin . " It is because I ’m passionate about the industry . I am particularly interested in propagation . However , I think there is a want of propagation technology in Korea . " Propagating species has been difficult for Song and has led to many failure , but he bear on to work and start out employ plant hormones with great winner . Thanks to his determination to make his projects follow , he has invite support from the local politics , and his story has been shared on TV , serving as an inspiration for other new growers .
" Farming at a young age is challenging . I am sample to be a person who will always embrace those challenges and move forth . "
What about imports?Mr . Rick Nobel , Agricultural Counsellor for the Netherlands Embassy in the Republic of Korea , highlighted the swop opportunities presented by Korea . " There has been a stark growth in cut flowers , bulb , and live plants import to the Republic of Korea from country such as the Netherlands , Colombia , and more , " he said .
Due to the decline in the Korean floriculture industry , there is dissatisfaction among consumer about locally develop plant life . Issues include a comparatively unretentive vase life for local cold shoulder prime and a gamey terms compared to import products . " Young consumers are seek novel variety and colors , which the local market can not offer , " Rick remark . All of this represent alien producer with a perfect chance to capitalise on the requirement . importee of shortened flowers , in particular , have see a significant gain . Popular flowers include roses , carnations , and chrysanthemums .
AIPH extends its thanks to Biblo , 2023 Suncheonman International Garden Expo , MPS , and Royal FloraHolland for their support of the Horticultural Industry , which was part of the 75th AIPH Annual Congress arrest in Suncheon , Republic of Korea from 17 - 29 January 2025 .
For more information : AIPHwww.aiph.org
