Analysis of the economic value of the production of lily bulbs in Korea

Lily, which is one of Korea's main flower exports, is one of the most important agricultural product in the country. Korean lily farmers have difficulty earning more profit from producing lilies, because of the high cost of lily bulbs. Most lily bulbs used in Korea are imported from the Netherlands. Thus, the Korean government has kept trying to supply more and better Korean lily bulbs. However, many experts have questioned the efficiency and economic value of the Korean lily production system. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the economic value of the production of lily bulbs in Korea. Especially, this study evaluates the economic value of the production systems of Korean lily bulbs and compares the results from several cases. The results of the present study presents some useful findings, as follows: first, two Korean production areas (Gangneung and Jeju) show a positive economic value but one Korean production area (Taean) presents problems causing a negative economic value. Second, the Korean production area in Vietnam currently has trouble in the view of economic value but will likely overcome that problem. Third, the production area in the Netherlands shows the best economic value. Thus, Korean lily bulb producers need to benchmark that system.