Developing and Industrializing Medicinal Crop Varieties
Rural Development Administration Hosts Central-Local-Private Joint Workshop October 31 - November 1
The National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science (NIHHS) under the Rural Development Administration (Administrator: Kwon Jae-han) will host the 2024 Medicinal Crop Central and Local Research Council and Public-Private Cooperation Workshop from October 31 to November 1 at the Green Bio Science and Technology Institute of Seoul National University in Pyeongchang Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province.
The event aims to assess the current status of medicinal crop variety development and seed distribution while exploring industrialization strategies with central local and private production groups.
Since 2015 the NIHHS has managed a research council involving over 20 entities including provincial agricultural research institutes producer associations and corporations to enhance the competitiveness of the medicinal crop industry and expedite the field application of new technologies.
In Part 1 Researcher Park Woo-tae from NIHHS will present an innovative “Medicinal Crop Microspore (Pollen) Culture Technology” which significantly reduces the time needed for developing new varieties. This technology cuts the breeding period required for pure lines by half (from 5–8 years to approximately 3 years) for six target crops including balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflorus) and peony (Paeonia lactiflora).
Additionally participants will review the “Standard Variety* Development and Seed Distribution Status” a project jointly managed by central and local authorities and discuss high-demand technologies for specific regions.
A standard variety is a breed with stable characteristics in typical natural environments and the Rural Development Administration is developing the first varieties for minor medicinal crops not yet standardized.
In Part 2 Secretary General Yoon Seong-hyun of the Korea Herbal Medicine Association and Dr. Kim Ho-yeon from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) will present on “The Future of the Domestic Medicinal Industry” and “Gangwon Provinces Comprehensive Natural Product Hub Project.”
The concluding general discussion will address strategies for connecting producers growing new varieties with companies as well as current issues such as ongoing research on smart farm conversion to adapt to climate change.
Yoon Young-ho Head of the Medicinal Crop Division at NIHHS emphasized “With over 20 varieties of medicinal crops collaboration and role-sharing between central and local bodies are crucial.” He added “This workshop will further strengthen partnerships with local and private entities incorporating industry feedback into research and paving the way for a breakthrough in the medicinal crop industry.”
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