The Korea Forest Service’s National Forest Seed Variety Management Center announced on December 15, 2025, that it will complete the ‘Forest Seed Distribution Survey’ in 2025 and plan a special inspection to stabilize forest seed distribution in 2026.
This year, the National Forest Seed Variety Management Center inspected the entire production and distribution process of major forest seed items such as shiitake spawn, inoculation media, and seedlings. They checked quality labeling, reporting matters, and distribution history management. Through these efforts, they focused on preventing the distribution of fraudulent and defective seeds and minimizing damage to farmers. In the second half of the year, they expanded the scope of the survey to reflect public complaints and market conditions, and strengthened on-site inspections by immediately correcting labeling errors.
Additionally, considering the increased demand for forest products during the holiday season, a ‘Lunar New Year Special Inspection’ will be conducted in January and February 2026. This inspection will focus on checking the quality suitability and compliance with quality labeling of forest products such as shiitake and wood ear mushrooms to prevent consumer damage in advance.
Kim Yoo-bin, an official from the National Forest Seed Variety Management Center, said, ‘This year, it was challenging due to different inspection standards for each item, but it was successful to reorganize the system by reflecting field opinions.’ He added, ‘In 2026, we will promote more substantial intensive inspections based on this experience.’