South Korean regions win top honors at GAP agricultural safety awards

South Korean local governments and agricultural groups have received top honors at the 12th Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Excellence Case Competition. The event, organized by the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service, aims to increase consumer trust in GAP-certified produce.

In the local government category, Seosan City received the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Award for its successful integration of GAP and local food systems, which helps reduce certification costs for farmers and expands market access for public meals.

In the production category, Gyeongsangbuk-do province secured multiple major awards. Goryeong County won the Grand Prize for its GAP-certified strawberry exports, which achieved higher market prices than domestic sales. Sangju City received the Gold Award for its GAP-certified grape production and market competitiveness, while Yeongyang County earned the Bronze Award for diversifying sales channels through GAP and low-carbon certifications.