Yeongyang-gun launches 2026 red pepper procurement, targeting 5,759 tons from 1,082 farms

The Yeongyang Red Pepper Distribution Corp. in North Gyeongsang Province said Sunday it has begun procuring 2026-harvest red peppers, with the buying period running through Sept. 22.

The procurement targets 1,082 local farms that signed supply contracts in June, with a total purchase volume of 5,759 tons.

The contract price has been set at 2,750 won per kilogram for premium grade (excellent) and 2,550 won per kilogram for premium grade (good), both figures including a 300-won-per-kilogram shipment incentive.

The purchased peppers will undergo strict sorting and sanitary processing before being repackaged as "Bitkkalchan" premium red pepper powder — the company's top-quality brand — for supply to domestic and international markets.

"We will spare no effort in supporting pepper-farming households so they can focus solely on their farming without worry, as they face growing difficulties from abnormal weather and rising input costs," Yeongyang-gun Mayor Oh Do-chang said.