We produce domestic wheat, soybean, and powdered rice products together with 60 food companies.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (Minister Song Mei-ryeong, hereinafter referred to as the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs) announced that it has selected 60 food companies (19 for wheat, 21 for soybeans, and 26 for powdered rice) to participate in the 2025 ‘Strategic Crop (Wheat, Soybeans, and Powdered Rice) Product Development Support Project.’

  The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has designated major food crops such as wheat, soybeans, and powdered rice as strategic crops to alleviate the imbalance in rice supply and demand and increase food self-sufficiency, and is supporting the development of processed foods using strategic crops as raw materials for food companies starting in 2023. ^* The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs selected a total of 60 companies after expert evaluations of the strategic crop utilization plans, sales and distribution capabilities, and product business viability of the 139 companies that applied for the project this year. The selected companies will be supported in the entire process of new product development, from trial production, packaging, consumer evaluation, and promotion using strategic crops.

  * Strategic Crop Product Development Package Support Project: (’23) 4 billion won → (’24) 8.4 billion won → (’25) 9.9 billion won

  Products using domestic wheat are also being released in various forms such as bread, tteokbokki, snacks, and noodles. ‘Nenia’ is releasing hotteok kkwabaegi and is pushing for supply to school cafeterias and public institutions, and ‘It the Company’ is developing vegan Korean wheat jjondaegi and plans to attack overseas markets. ‘Hongdudang (Geundaegolmok Red Bean Bread)’, newly selected this year, plans to replace the existing imported wheat in its popular red bean bread with 100% domestic wheat.

  In addition to soy milk, domestic soybeans are also used to develop soy sauce, soybean oil, and protein powder. Maeil Dairies plans to develop high-protein soy milk with 99.9% soy content using domestic black beans, and Konkuk Dairies will launch soy milk made with Seoritae Cheongja No. 5, developed by the Rural Development Administration, by cultivating it directly on Konkuk Dairies farms.

 Powdered rice is a raw material that replaces imported wheat flour while retaining the characteristics of rice, so it is widely used in bread, cookies, noodles, premixes, and beverages. This year, a “planned” contest was introduced for the first time, in which local governments and local companies collaborate to develop products that combine powdered rice with local specialties. Haenam-gun and local companies are planning to participate and develop powdered rice Haenam sweet potato bread.

  In addition, Seongsimdang and Tous Les Jours, which launched fruit shiru and rice bagels using powdered rice last year, plan to develop additional cakes and meal breads. In addition, Sajodongawon and Daedu Foods plan to develop premix products using the characteristics of powdered rice, which absorbs less oil and provides a crispier texture. Ashley Queens and Myeongrang Sidae, which have stable distribution networks, also plan to develop pizzas, hot dogs, etc. to get closer to consumers.

  The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs will support the promotion and marketing of new wheat, soybean, and powdered rice products from 60 companies that will be released within the year so that they can lead to continuous production and consumption. It plans to promote consumption by collaborating with major distribution channels such as large marts and home shopping to hold joint discount events and promotional events, and by opening a ‘Strategic Crop Processed Food Sales Mall’ on Naver Smart Store to hold discount coupon and powdered rice souvenir events.

  Byun Sang-moon, the director general of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs’ food policy division, emphasized, “Strategic crops such as wheat, soybeans, and powdered rice can be planted in place of rice in paddies, not only contributing to the stability of rice supply and demand, but also have the positive function of providing healthy food to consumers.” He also said, “The government plans to continue its efforts to stabilize supply and demand and create demand so that strategic crops can quickly become established as an industry.”