The Climate Crisis and Its Impact on Jeju’s winter Vegetable Production

Jeju Island’s agricultural landscape is undergoing a significant transformation due to the escalating effects of global warming. Conventional winter vegetable crops like radishes, carrots, and cabbage are facing declining yields as temperatures rise. This shift necessitates a strategic overhaul in both production and distribution to maintain the competitiveness of jeju’s agricultural products. The focus is now on cultivating climate crisis breeds and expanding advanced cultivation technologies such as smart farms.

Debate Highlights Need for Strategic Shifts

A recent debate, co-hosted by the Seoul Garak Market Wholesale market Corporation and the Korea Rural Leaders’ Central Federation, underscored the urgency of addressing these challenges. The event, part of the ongoing ‘Overcoming Climate Crisis woori Agricultural Products’ initiative, brought together experts from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the rural Growth Management, and the Lakeside Group to discuss potential solutions.

Declining Yields and Shifting Consumer Preferences

The Data Speaks: Temperature Rise and Crop Damage

Kang Tae-wan, head of the vegetable research team at the Jeju Island agricultural Research and Development Institute, emphasized the changing crop cultivation patterns in Jeju due to the abnormal climate. Climate analysis from the past year revealed an average annual temperature increase of 1.7°C and a significant shift in precipitation patterns. Notably, February and autumn experienced unusually high rainfall.

These climatic changes have resulted in substantial damage to crops such as onions, garlic, carrots, and cabbage during thier growth stages. The winter season saw heavy snow and cold waves, while the occurrence of East Sea (Unp. Sea) conditions and frequent rainfall led to increased onion division. As a result, the winter vegetable crops are not safe, price and farm income volatility has increased, Kang noted.

Consumer Sentiment Wanes

Adding to the challenges, consumer perception of jeju vegetables is also evolving. Lee Jin-jin, an agricultural researcher, presented findings on ‘Jeju Winter -Winter Vegetables Consumption Trend -carrots and Cabbage’, revealing that in April, 83% of the respondents said that thay did not consider the main produce when purchasing cabbage. This indicates a weakening consumer preference for Jeju’s traditional winter vegetables.

Strategies for a Enduring Future: Innovation and Investment

New Varieties and Advanced Cultivation Techniques

To revitalize Jeju’s agricultural sector, experts propose a multi-pronged approach focusing on both production and distribution. Kang emphasized the need to foster and distribute new varieties that are highly resistant to pests and abnormalities. He also advocated for expanding high-tech cultivation technologies like smart farms to create controlled environments resilient to heavy rains, droughts, and high temperatures.

Ahn kyung-ah, a researcher at the Jeju Research Institute, highlighted the impact of frequent high temperatures on winter vegetable quality. Addressing this requires innovative solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change on crop development.

Investing in Distribution and Market Strategies

Beyond production,strategic investments in distribution are crucial. Kim Myung-bae, head of the management planning team, cited the success of Jeju Mountain pavilion in targeting specific markets by supplying products like Kanpa directly to consumers. This demonstrates the potential of tailored distribution strategies to enhance market competitiveness.

The challenges facing Jeju’s agricultural sector are significant, but with strategic investments in climate-resilient crops, advanced cultivation techniques, and innovative distribution strategies, the island can secure a sustainable future for its agricultural industry. The shift towards climate crisis breeds is not just an adaptation, but a necessary evolution for Jeju’s agricultural legacy.