Lotte Mart support scheme to help farmers be farmers

Officials from Lotte Mart and Hamyang County in South Gyeongsang, including county Mayor Seo Chun-soo, fifth from right, promote onions at Lotte Mart's Seoul Station branch in central Seoul. [LOTTE SHOPPING]

Lotte Mart is working with local governments and organizations to provide support and help farmers focus on farming.

Lotte Mart announced Tuesday that it is collaborating with 30 organizations and local governments in the second half of this year to sell agriculture and livestock products worth 20 billion won ($16.5 million) to help farmers struggling from the impact of Covid-19.

Merchandisers from Lotte Mart will offer support to farmers by providing information on the level of demand for different products, which they can use to control supply, according to the retailer.

“The [business] model will help farmers feel less concerned about sales channels and the profit they can earn,” said Lee Chang-gyun, a spokesperson for Lotte Shopping.

The retailer worked with local governments in the first half of the year. In April, it worked with the South Jeolla provincial government to sell 100 tons of large green onions, and it also sold 35 tons of potatoes in a collaborative effort with North Jeolla provincial government.

The retailer said helping farmers will benefit retailers and consumers as well because farmers will be able to provide high-quality food at cheaper prices.

“Lotte Mart plans to provide a stable sales channel to producers this year through cooperation with local governments,” said Kim Chang-yong, a spokesperson for Lotte Mart.

BY JIN MIN-JI [jin.minji@joongang.co.kr]