The National Institute of Crop Science (Director Yang Ju-pil, hereinafter referred to as "NICS") accepts applications for free testing to determine whether self-collected seeds from farmers are genetically modified organisms (hereinafter referred to as "GMO") before sowing. The application targets seeds of rapeseed, cotton, soybean, maize, zucchini, papaya, carnation, petunia, and alfalfa that farmers plan to directly collect and sow. Farmers who wish to have the free testing can apply at the main branch of the National Institute of Crop Science or at the nearest support center. < Inquiry for Free Testing of Self-Collected Seeds for GMOs > ○ Seed Industry Support Division: 054-912-0165~7 ○ Capital Region Field Team: 031-8058-2009 ○ Gangwon Support Center: 033-433-2515 ○ Chungbuk Support Center: 043-649-3731 ○ Chungnam Support Center: 041-540-4114 ○ Jeonbuk Support Center: 063-530-3650 ○ Jeonnam Support Center: 061-323-0702 ○ Gyeongbuk Support Center: 054-858-9659 ○ Gyeongnam Support Center: 055-355-2578 ○ Jeju Support Center: 064-900-3014 ○ East Support Center: 033-336-6246 ○ West Support Center: 063-862-7667 Mr. Nam-yun Jong, the head of the Seed Industry Support Division at the NICS, said, "Although GMO seeds for crops have never been approved for import in the country, we are continuously monitoring the distribution (sales) of genetically modified managed crops' seeds and cultivation sites." He added, "The purpose of this free testing is to prevent unintended GMO cultivation by testing self-collected seeds, which are not distributed (sold) for sowing, before planting."