Gyeonggi Province to Establish Native Seed Bank

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] Gyeonggi Province announced on the 13th that it will establish a Gyeonggi Province Native Seed Bank (tentative name) to preserve indigenous crops facing extinction.

The province determined that urgent measures are needed for native seeds as more than half of the farmers in the province are in their 80s or older, coupled with rapid urbanization.

The native seed bank will be equipped with professional seed storage and preservation facilities, as well as exhibition halls, inspection and laboratory facilities, and seedling propagation areas. An outdoor experience center where residents can directly view and touch native seeds will also be provided. It will be established together with the provincial Seed Management Office, which is relocating from Suwon to Pyeongtaek. It is expected to begin operations starting in November.

In addition, the Gyeonggi Province Korean Seeds Network will be formed to determine the operations and policies of the seed bank. The network will include participating members from relevant civic organizations, seed-producing farms, farmers' associations, consumer groups, academic experts, and government officials. A launch ceremony and policy discussion forum will be held on the 26th.

Byeon Hyun-dan, head of the civic organization National Korean Seeds Dream, stated, "We are regretful about our disappearing seeds and have long wished for government-level policies," and added, "The Gyeonggi Province Native Seed Bank is expected to become a national model. We will actively participate."

Park Jong-min, director of the provincial Seed Management Office, said, "Native seeds are our culture that has grown on our land for a long time, and as precious resources for the future, we must focus on preservation and revitalization," and continued, "Through the native seed bank, not only preservation but also utilization by various stakeholders will be possible."

The province enacted an ordinance for the preservation and cultivation of Gyeonggi Province indigenous crops in 2014. Since 2012, it has been supporting specialized civic organizations for native seeds, collecting and preserving approximately 1,700 seed varieties across seven cities and counties including Hwaseong.