Battling the Cold: Jangheung's Shiitake Mushroom Farms Face Environmental Crisis
Cold Damage Strikes Jangheung's Shiitake Mushroom Industry
Jangheung County is grappling with a significant blow to its shiitake mushroom industry, with 113 out of 150 local farms, totaling 1.73 million trees, falling victim to cold damage caused by extreme weather conditions.
Financial Impact and Disaster Management
The estimated damage amounts to 743 million won, prompting Jangheung County to consider applying for a disaster management loan from Jeollanam-do. Cold damage has been concentrated in standing trees, particularly oak stumps aged two to three years after fungus inoculation.
Weather-Induced Setback
The abnormal weather shift between spring and winter is believed to be the culprit. A warm period in early December caused premature mushroom sprouting, only to be followed by a sudden cold snap, leading to the rotting and drying up of the mushrooms. The majority of shiitake farmers in the region employ open field cultivation methods, possibly contributing to the extensive damage.
Insurance Gaps and Immediate Measures
Mushrooms damaged by freezing temperatures were not covered by disaster insurance, posing a challenge for affected farmers. Concerns linger about potential additional damage to mushrooms yet to sprout. Jangheung County is contemplating loans for forest cooperative disaster management funds and, if criteria are met, state funding for affected farmers.
Insurance Expansion and Future Prospects
Expanding insurance coverage for shiitake mushrooms faces challenges, and a field survey by the Agricultural Policy Insurance and Financial Institution is anticipated in March. The county plans to propose insurance expansion based on the survey findings.
Impact on Jangheung's Shiitake Industry
Jangheung, renowned for its shiitake production, faces severe setbacks as the signature specialty suffers a blow. With 216 tons of shiitake production last year, accounting for 27% of the nation's dried shiitake production, the economic impact is substantial. Farmers, in particular, are grappling with unprofitable and damaged mushrooms, facing the prospect of discarding a significant portion of their produce.
Climate Change and Ongoing Concerns
The abrupt temperature fluctuations, exceeding 20 degrees in December, caused irreversible damage. The municipality is worried about potential further damage, especially with abnormal temperatures and increased precipitation. Six farms have reported destruction, but the open field cultivation method leaves them ineligible for crop disaster insurance compensation.
Call for Action and Future Resilience
Jangheung County emphasizes the need for fundamental measures to address the impact of extreme weather on agriculture. Farmers, who painstakingly cultivate shiitake mushrooms year after year, now grapple with the consequences of climate change. As the survey unfolds, the county aims to secure designations for compensation and work towards the resilience of its vital shiitake industry.
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