Increase in production of garlic across the country and drop in consumption have led to poor sales of Jeju garlic.
Farmers are asking for purchase by the government before prices drop further.
Mike Balfour reports.

[slug] Daejeong Agricultural Cooperatives’ farm produce distribution center
This is a garlic storehouse in (대정) Daejeong, which is the largest producer of the crop in Jeju.
Hundreds of bags of garlic harvested in May are stacked.
They are all supposed to be sold by this time.
But the garlic has been in storage here over half a year.

Increases in production of garlic across the country and drop in consumption have led to price drops and less demand for Jeju garlic.


National Garlic Yield and Price
(Source: Statistics Korea)
Production 27%↑
Price 32%↓





Nine local Agricultural Cooperatives purchased 13,000 tons of garlic by
contract this year.
Among them, about 6,000 tons are still in storehouses.

Stock of Jeju Garlic
13,000 tons produced
6,000 tons unsold



[slug] Farmers have concerns over possible contract price drop
If the surplus garlic cannot be on the market soon, contract prices for next year’s garlic may drop.


[slug] Press conference by Jeju Garlic Producers’ Associate
Garlic growers have created an organization to voice together.
They ask that the national government purchase the garlic stacked in storehouses as concerns of possible further price reductions are growing.

[slug] Seoul fails to keep promise
They say Seoul failed to keep its promise to purchase 38,000 tons of garlic this year.
Less than half has been bought so far.
Jeju garlic was not even included in the governmental purchase plan.

[slug] Farmers ask for contract price of 3,200 won/Kg
Along with the demand, garlic growers are asking for at least 3,200 won per kilogram for next year’s garlic in contract with Agricultural Cooperatives.


[Reporter] Mike Balfour
[Camera] Jwa Sang-eun
[CG] Park Hye-jin

Prices for next year’s garlic will be determined in December.
Farmers forewarn that they will protest if their demands are ignored.

Mike Balfour, KCTV