SAMCHEOK — In a major push to revitalize its aging agricultural sector and attract the next generation of growers, Samcheok City hosted a grand opening ceremony on Tuesday for its new Regional Specialized Rental Smart Farm in Sanyang-ri, Wondeok-eup.

Mayor Park Sang-soo joined roughly 150 local officials, farming representatives, and area residents to celebrate the launch of the ambitious project. Launched in 2023, the facility spans a 5.9-hectare plot with about 4 hectares dedicated to state-of-the-art greenhouses. Backed by an investment of 25.8 billion KRW (approximately $19 million USD), including 14 billion KRW in national funding, the complex is divided into specialized zones tailored for strawberries, cucumbers, and tomatoes.

Fostering the Next Generation of Farmers The complex is designed to shelter aspiring agricultural entrepreneurs from the crushing financial burden of startup costs. A total of 9 teams consisting of 26 young farmers have been slated for residency. While selection for the cucumber and tomato sectors is currently ongoing, applications for the strawberry greenhouses will open in 2027.

To qualify, applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 39. They must either be graduates (or prospective graduates) of the Smart Farm Youth Startup Incubation Program or operate an independent farm for three years or less. Accepted farmers are offered a baseline three-year lease, which can be extended annually for a maximum stay of six years.

A Holistic Approach to Rural Retention Recognizing that housing is just as vital as workspace for long-term retention, Samcheok is concurrently constructing a neighboring "Rural Haven" housing community. Backed by a 10 billion KRW budget, the residential project features 28 rental homes and a shared community center, slated for move-in by March 2027.

City officials project that combining modern agricultural infrastructure with affordable housing will drastically lower the barriers to entry for young agriculturalists. By nurturing high-yield, high-quality crop production and providing ongoing expert consulting, technical guidance, and operational training, Samcheok aims to transform these incubator tenants into fully independent agricultural business owners.

"By actively nurturing young talent and expanding our footprint in smart agriculture, we will pave the way for a vibrant and sustainable future for Samcheok's farming community," a city spokesperson said.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]