Correcting the harm of NB Apple's monopolistic structure is necessary.

The complaints and difficulties of fruit farmers growing the New Zealand variety 'Envy' apples are deepening. The purchase price of Envy apples produced through contract farming is only half the level of Fuji apples, and losses are accumulating in a 'dependent structure' where they lack bargaining power for shipments. Fruit farmers growing Envy in places like Boeun, North Chungcheong, and Yesan, South Chungcheong, are collectively voicing their concerns. The Envy apple is a variety introduced from New Zealand, with domestic intellectual property rights (IP) held by 'H&B Asia,' which exercises a monopolistic position. As an 'exclusive variety,' Envy requires all aspects from seedling supply to shipment, distribution, and marketing to go through this company. Therefore, Envy-growing farmers argue that the purchase criteria favor only the company, stating, "The purchase price is half that of Fuji apples. Negotiations for purchase are concluded by unilateral notification from the ...