Agro Procurement and Supply OJSC (APS) Management Board participated in the “Development of Food Procurement and Supply System in Azerbaijan” training organized by Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) on August 18-31 in South Korea. The main purpose of the training was to familiarize with the current legislation in the field of food procurement and supply in South Korea, the role of local and central governments in regulating relations with suppliers and public procurement agencies, and to apply South Korean experience in our country.

During the training, participants and trainers conducted a mutual analysis of the condition in the two countries. The meetings focused on eco-friendly manufacturing processes and work with farmers' cooperatives, food supply in schools, contracts related planting, and selection criteria of farmers dealing with procurement. Note that, unlike our country, the role of local authorities in the procurement and supply of food products is greater in the Republic of Korea, and processes in this direction may vary depending on the region.

During the training, participants visited the Center for Transport and Logistics. Here they had the opportunity to get acquainted with the working principles and operating volume of the logistics center, the food security mechanisms in the logistics process, and the process of producing small packages. The APS staff visited the Gyeonggi Agro-Food Institute to get acquainted with the process of providing food products to schools in the Gyeonggi-do region. The goals and directions of the Institute were studied and opportunities for exchange of experience were discussed. The Gyeonggi Agro-Food Institute operates to promote healthy and balanced nutrition in schools, connect rural areas with cities, educate young people in agriculture, support organic farming and smart farms.

Participants also visited the Smart Farm of Hankyong National University in the Gyeonggi-do region. Here they were informed with new and innovative information in the field of livestock breeding with the help of modern technologies, application of artificial intelligence, measures for food security, product sales mechanism.

Action plan was made with the participation of Korean professors to develop the food procurement and supply system in Azerbaijan at the end of the training program. The action plan on “Improvement of the Agro and Food Trade System” was highly appreciated by Korean experts. The action plan envisages the automation of the process of agricultural and food products procurement and supply in Azerbaijan, stimulating participation of small and medium farmers in the process, increasing transparency and optimizing business processes based on Korean experience.