Policy Proposal to Improve the Unloading System of the Agricultural Wholesale Market, Focusing on the Garak Market

농산물도매시장 하역체계 개선을 위한 정책적 제언 : 가락시장을 중심으로

Purpose - The Garak agricultural wholesale market ('Garak Market') plays a central role in the distribution of agricultural products in Korea and is important in connecting consumers with producers. However, problems regarding inefficiencies and the high-cost structure of the wholesale market's distribution/logistical system are being raised in relation to severe competition among retailers. Furthermore, the service needs of retailers and market users are not being fulfilled due to the inconsistency of the wholesale market's functions and facilities, thus reducing the competitiveness of the market. In this regard, innovative changes are being requested of the agricultural wholesale market according to changes in the agricultural product distribution environment. In particular, the lack of unloading facilities and the outdated unloading system of the wholesale market must be improved to enhance system efficiency. Research design, data, and methodology - This study observed the problems of the unloading system of the agricultural wholesale market in order to present relevant measures for improvement. The need for unloading auctions was also researched in this study. The survey of 70 forwarders belonging to the producing district distributor association of the Garak market was conducted by post. Additionally, 20 auction dealers and 59 shippers and transporters were individually interviewed. The survey on the need for unloading auctions used five-point Likert Scales. The statistical analysis was conducted with SPSS WIN 12.0 software. Results - First, the wholesale market must employ members of the unloading labor union to allow these employees to directly manage the unloading process. Second, it is crucial to revise regulations to ensure that the principal agent pays the unloading cost according to the standard unloading cost system. Third, the vehicle auction carried out for certain vegetable products must be converted to the unloaded auction system. According to the related interviews with the wholesale market's distribution agents, whereas shippers and transporters recognized the need for unloaded auctions, auction dealers tend to have a negative view of this system. Furthermore, the stated reasons in favor of unloaded cabbage, radish, and other vegetable auctions were prevention of constraint, creation of transparent trade conditions, and reduction of corrected seller tickets. Many of the respondents answered that the transport cost reduction rate in unloaded auctions must be below 20%. Fourth, the unloading system must be mechanized and a detailed, reasonable plan must be provided to settle the existing conflict with the unloading labor union. Conclusions - The proposals in this study are expected to play an important role in improving the cargo handling system of the wholesale agricultural product market in the future. Improving the system is expected to help shore up the competitiveness of the industry. If all the related bodies closely cooperate with each other and work harder, taking advantage of the synergies created by the facility modernization project, the Garak market will play a pivotal role in the distribution of agricultural products.