After being able to comply with the agreed requirements set by both countries, the Philippines has started exporting okra or ladies' fingers to South Korea for the 2021-2022 season.
Agriculture Secretary William Dar: “After the resumption of okra exports to Japan last year, we are opening yet another market access for our okra, this time with the huge Korean food market. The Philippine government has been requesting market access of okra to Korea since 2014 and finally, it was granted. This is a milestone for us considering we are still in the midst of the global pandemic.”
The Korean government announced the completion of the ruling process for the Philippine okra market access to Korea through an official notification from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) on May 6, 2021.
The DA chief said exports of fresh, green okra pods will be sourced initially from Tarlac province, where DA-BPI accredited farms and packing houses are located. Currently, there are four Philippine okra exporters, namely: Jelfarm Fresh Produce Enterprise; Greenstar Produce, Philippines Inc.; AAMC Foods Corp.; and Hi-Las Marketing Corp. All are members of the Philippine Okra Producers and Exporters Association (POPEA).
Source: pia.gov.ph
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