Jeongeup City has enacted an ordinance to support the development of the insect industry, aiming to secure a future source of income for farmers. The ordinance, proposed by City Councilor Jeong Sang-cheol, was passed by the city council on the 19th and is scheduled to be promulgated and implemented on March 7th.
Potential of the Insect Industry
The insect industry is attracting attention as an eco-friendly industry due to its lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional livestock farming. It is also recognized as a sustainable biological resource that can be utilized in various fields such as food, feed, pets, cosmetics, and new materials. According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the number of farms and corporations registered in the domestic insect industry is steadily increasing, and sales are also growing consistently.
Current Status of the Insect Industry in Jeongeup City
Currently, 35 farms in Jeongeup City are raising stag beetles, rhinoceros beetles, Protaetia brevitarsis, mealworms, and black soldier flies, which are supplied for experiential, pet, and feed purposes.
Jeongeup City's Support Plan
Through this ordinance, Jeongeup City plans to implement various policies to foster farms with domestic and international competitiveness in the insect market, expand technical education and distribution support. The city will also actively support strengthening the capabilities and increasing the income of insect farmers by promoting useful insect breeding support projects and useful insect processing and distribution support projects.
Mayor Lee Hak-soo stated, "The insect industry is a promising industry that can be utilized in various fields such as future food, pet feed, cosmetics, medicine, and learning materials. We will actively support strengthening the capabilities and increasing the income of insect farmers."
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