More farmers’ markets are cropping up on the island. Farmers sell directly to consumers, creating a win-win situation for all involved. Mike Balfour reports.
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Jejusi Forestry Cooperative’s farmers’ market

This is a farmers’ market operated by the Jejusi Forestry Cooperative.

Fresh vegetables and forest products fill the stalls.

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Shoppers can find farmer’s name, phone number

All goods are produced in Jeju.

Consumers can find the farmer’s name, photos, phone number and other detailed information about their crops.

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Prices 30~40% lower than prices at supermarket

A package of garlic is 1,000 won, young radishes, 1,000 won and cloud ear mushrooms 2,800 won.


Overall prices at the shop are at least 30 percent lower than prices at a supermarket because of reduced transportation costs and the elimination of the middleman.

The shop connects food producers and food consumers for a small commision.

The farmers set the price.

INTERVIEW
Oh Seung-ung / Jejusi Forestry Cooperative
We provide farm produce, fish, and meat at a much higher quality. As producers price their goods, prices are lower than at a supermarket. And there is less distance to travel from farms to this local shop, so everything is fresh.
<인터뷰:오승웅 제주시산림조합 지도상무>
"주변 농산물·수산물·축산물들을 가장 가까운데서 믿을 수 있는 제품을 취급하고 사갈 수 있다는게 장점이고, 가격적으로는 농가들이 직접 가격을 결정해서 판매하기 때문에 시중가격보다 훨씬 저렴하고 신선한 제품을 취급한다는게 최대 장점입니다."

Producers can check inventory in the warehouse of the shop through their smartphones in real-time, so they can maintain stock as needed.

Farmers prefer the simplicity, immediacy, transparency and independence of selling direct to consumers because they don’t have to worry about sensitive market conditions.

Consumers also like the shop and its fresh goods.

The shop opened two months ago. It already has more than 1,000 members.

The number of farmers who provide their products to the shop has increased from 107 to 137 over the same period.

The Jejusi Forestry Cooperative is planning for more farmers to participate in the farmers’ market and increase the number of food items.

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Moon Ho-seong

[REPORTER]
Mike Balfour

With food producers directly connected to food consumers, most of the money exchanged at the farmers' market stays in the community rather than supporting larger corporations.

Mike Balfour, KCTV