Electricity Rates Skyrocket... Hindering Paprika Exports

[Korea Farmers' Newspaper, Lee Dong-gwang, Export Specialist Reporter] Energy Costs Double in Three Years Since 2021 Export Farms' Management Deteriorates Cultivation Abandonment and Crop Switching Increase The main reason for the decrease in paprika export volume, which was previously a star export product, is known to be excessive production costs, making urgent countermeasures necessary. Tamjin Deul Inc., a specialized paprika production and distribution company in Gangjin, Jeonnam, is also designated as an export-specialized complex. Currently operating a 3.3ha smart farm facility, they directly produce paprika and jointly distribute volumes from producer organizations to domestic and international markets. While generating annual sales of over 10 billion won, they are experiencing significant management pressure due to rising agricultural material costs and labor expenses. Particularly, agricultural electricity rates that have sharply increased since 2021 are weakening ...