Applications open through June 26; support covers certification, education and retail access

National certification awarded to produce cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 10% or more

A recruitment poster for the "2026 Second-Half Low-Carbon Agricultural Produce Certification Support Project." Nongjinwon plans to support participating farms through every stage of the process, from certification education and assessment to retail access. [Korea Agency of Education, Promotion and Information Service in Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries]
A recruitment poster for the "2026 Second-Half Low-Carbon Agricultural Produce Certification Support Project." Nongjinwon plans to support participating farms through every stage of the process, from certification education and assessment to retail access. [Korea Agency of Education, Promotion and Information Service in Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries]

The Korea Agency of Education, Promotion and Information Service in Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is recruiting farms to expand the country's low-carbon agricultural produce certification program.

The agency, known as Nongjinwon, announced Monday it is accepting applications from farms and farmer organizations through June 26 for its "2026 Second-Half Low-Carbon Agricultural Produce Certification Support Project."

The low-carbon produce certification is a national system that recognizes agricultural products whose greenhouse gas emissions are at least 10 percent below the average for their category. It is designed to encourage farmers to adopt low-carbon practices and to help consumers identify environmentally friendly produce.

Eligible applicants must be farmers or farmer organizations growing certified crop varieties who already hold either an eco-friendly produce certification — organic or pesticide-free — or a Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification. They must also be applying at least one low-carbon farming technique.

Nongjinwon will review applications and select approximately 120 farms for support. Results will be posted on the agency's website on July 30.

Selected farms will receive support throughout the entire certification process, including education on low-carbon produce standards, assistance preparing greenhouse gas emissions calculation reports, and guidance through the certification assessment. Farms that meet the certification criteria will receive their low-carbon produce certificates in December.

Bonus points will be awarded to applicants who use two or more low-carbon farming techniques, complete online training courses, or include young farmers in their operations.

Beyond certification support, Nongjinwon is also working to boost sales of certified produce by organizing trade fairs and product showcases and by connecting certified farms with retail distributors.

"The low-carbon produce certification is a system that lets farmers communicate the value of their low-carbon practices directly to consumers," agency head Lee Seok-hyeong said. "We will actively support more farms in joining the low-carbon agriculture movement — from obtaining certification to promotion and retail access."


adastra@heraldcorp.com