In October, the Jeollanam-do region recognized the organic cherry tomatoes grown in Naju along the Yeongsan River as the “Eco-Friendly Produce of the Month.” Known for their rich nutritional profile, these cherry tomatoes are not only delicious and convenient to eat but are also packed with vitamin C, essential minerals, and the powerful antioxidant lycopene, making them a popular choice among health-conscious consumers. Their low-calorie content also makes them a staple for those looking for a diet-friendly food option.
A Legacy of Sustainable Farming
One of the leading producers of these organic tomatoes is Song Cheol-su, a 57-year-old farmer from Gokcheon-ri in Donggang-myeon, Naju. With over 20 years of experience practicing organic farming, Song has cultivated a wide range of crops on his one-hectare greenhouse. After experimenting with more than 30 different crops over the years, he has ultimately chosen to focus on cherry tomatoes due to their favorable returns and manageable working conditions.
This year, Song has expanded his offerings to include a new variety—Plum Tomatoes. These tomatoes are prized for their firm texture, making them ideal for fresh salads and versatile in many culinary applications. Unlike some other varieties, Plum Tomatoes resist softening, allowing for a longer shelf life and broader market appeal.
Year-Round Production with Innovative Technologies
What sets Song’s operation apart is his use of cutting-edge information and communication technologies (ICT) to manage his crops more effectively. These technologies enable Song to control the environment within his greenhouse with precision, ensuring optimal growing conditions throughout the year. This ability to produce high-quality tomatoes even during the hot summer months and cold winters not only boosts productivity but also significantly reduces labor costs.
Continuous production has proven to be a cornerstone of Song’s stable and successful farming enterprise. His efforts to maintain a steady supply of fresh tomatoes year-round have positioned him as a key player in both local and national markets.
Growing Markets and Sales Success
Song’s journey in organic farming began in 2005 when he became the first farmer in South Korea to supply eco-friendly produce to the national school meal program. Since then, he has scaled up his production facilities and secured various sales channels, including distribution through the Honam Regional Logistics Center, public catering services, and consumer cooperatives.
In 2023, Song harvested approximately 130 tons of tomatoes, generating around 600 million KRW (approximately 450,000 USD) in sales. This achievement underscores the viability of sustainable farming and the growing consumer demand for high-quality, organic produce.
Supporting Organic Agriculture in Jeollanam-do
The provincial government of Jeollanam-do is actively supporting farmers like Song through its eco-friendly agriculture programs. Yu Deok-gyu, Director of the Eco-Friendly Agriculture Division, emphasized the importance of distinguishing organic products in the marketplace and the need to continuously develop new sales channels. He reaffirmed the province’s commitment to expanding production facilities and developing new crop varieties to further enhance farmers’ incomes.
The success of Naju’s organic cherry tomatoes reflects the broader trends of sustainability and innovation in agriculture. With the support of advanced farming technologies and government-backed initiatives, farmers like Song Cheol-su are demonstrating the potential of organic farming to meet both economic and environmental goals. As demand for organic produce continues to grow, the future of eco-friendly agriculture in Jeollanam-do looks promising.