Korean farmers will increasingly face challenges by foreign imports now the Republic of Korea and the EU have a Free Trade Agreement in force since July 1, 2011. As early as 2007, when negotiations just started, the South Eastern province of Gyeongsangbukdo took a unique step to help its farmers to prepare for a more international future by establishing a Special Committee on Agriculture-Fishery Development, now chaired by Dr Choe Yang Boo.

On 17 November 2011, a delegation of the Special Committee headed by Dr Choe Yang Boo visited PTC+ Ede to conclude a Memorandum of Understanding. PTC+ and the Gyeongbuk Farmer Academy will cooperate in educational programs and PTC+ will provide specialized technical training. In Korea the province ranks first in dairy production, second in poultry and third in pig production, and also is leading in fruit production. The collaboration between Gyeongbuk and PTC+ will cover all these areas and will also consist of post-harvest handling and training capacity building. 

The signing ceremony
From left to right: Ms Choi Youngsook, Dr  Sohn Jaekeun, Dr. Choe Yangboo, Dr Michiel van Mil, Mr Ben van Onna, Dr. Lee Seonghee; Prof. Lee Sangmoo.