This undated file photo provided by the Rural Development Administration shows its researchers harvesting ginseng at a farm in South Korea. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, June 30 (Korea Bizwire) – In a significant development for agricultural trade, South Korean and U.S. quarantine authorities have reached an agreement on the export of fresh ginseng to the United States and the import of Texas grapefruit to South Korea, the government announced on Sunday.
The negotiations, which have spanned several years, have finally opened the door for fresh ginseng—a raw form of the revered root known for its health benefits—to enter the U.S. market. Until now, only processed ginseng products, such as red ginseng, were permitted for export.
The fresh ginseng slated for export must originate from plantations registered with the Korea Quarantine Center. These plantations are required to adhere to stringent export quarantine requirements.
Key measures include managing fungal diseases at the cultivation sites, conducting thorough screenings at the export shipyards, and passing a final export inspection by the Korea Quarantine Center.
Fresh ginseng refers to the unprocessed stage of ginseng, i.e., it has not been dried. (Image courtesy of NH)
According to the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, discussions with U.S. counterparts began in 2017, focusing on shipments of fresh ginseng from government-designated areas.
The meticulous process aimed to ensure that all phytosanitary standards were met to protect both countries’ agricultural sectors.
Similarly, negotiations to import Texas grapefruits commenced in 2019. After extensive deliberations, an agreement on disease and insect control measures was reached in March, paving the way for the introduction of this American citrus fruit to South Korean consumers.
This bilateral agreement marks a milestone in agricultural trade relations between the two nations, promising to enhance market diversity and offer consumers a broader range of high-quality produce.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
