The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is developing a long-term strategy aimed at envisioning the future of agriculture and rural areas by 2045. The plan involves gathering input from various stakeholders, including young farmers, producer and consumer groups, and private experts, to enhance agricultural competitiveness, rural development, and generational transition.
On September 7, the ministry held a town hall meeting in Myeongdong, Seoul, attended by over 50 participants, including young farmers, rural entrepreneurs, students from the Korea National College of Agriculture and Fisheries, producer and consumer groups, private experts, and new public officials from the ministry.
This event was organized to explore the long-term direction of agriculture and rural areas in connection with the national development strategy for 2045, which marks the 100th anniversary of Korea's liberation. The government has established a long-term national development strategy, launching the 'Korea 2045 Strategy Establishment Committee' in May.
The first session of the town hall reviewed the achievements of agricultural policy over the past 80 years since liberation and the key issues currently facing agriculture and rural areas. The Korea Rural Economic Institute presented on the impact of sector-specific megatrends on the future of agriculture and rural areas, prompting open discussions among attendees.
The second session focused on discussing the future of agriculture and rural areas as envisioned by the public in 2045. The ministry first outlined its future outlook and review directions. Given the deepening structural limitations of agriculture and rural areas due to changing socio-economic conditions, the strategy emphasizes enhancing agricultural competitiveness, rural development, and generational transition.
Participants proposed directions for the future of agriculture and rural areas, as well as challenges that the government and the field need to address. An interactive program titled 'What is Your Choice?' allowed attendees to intuitively express and share their visions for agriculture and rural areas in 20 years.
Minister Song Mi-ryung stated, "Our agriculture and rural areas face crises such as climate change and regional extinction, but they are at a significant crossroads where opportunities coexist with challenges, including advanced technologies like AI and robotics, as well as growing public interest in rural areas."
She added, "It was very meaningful to hear diverse and vivid voices from the field about the future during the town hall meeting. Based on the opinions presented today, we will do our best to establish a long-term strategy for agriculture and rural areas to pass on a competitive agriculture and vibrant rural communities to future generations in 20 years."
The ministry has been operating a dedicated task force for the establishment of a long-term strategy for agriculture and rural areas since June. In August and September, it is conducting a 'Public Proposal Contest' and holding idea meetings with the '2030 Youth Advisory Group' to engage with experts, the general public, and young people. The ministry plans to continue gathering input from various sectors to inform its policies.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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