South Korea's agricultural sector is facing a deepening crisis as the farm household population is projected to drop below the one million mark this year, according to the "2024 Survey on Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries" released by Statistics Korea on April 17th. The survey, based on data from December 1st, 2024, reveals a concerning trend of declining farm households and a rapidly aging agricultural workforce, painting a stark picture of rural depopulation and its potential impact on the nation's food security and economic landscape.
The survey indicates that the number of farm households in South Korea stood at 974,000 as of December 1st, 2024, a decrease of 25,000 households (2.5%) compared to the previous year. Statistics Korea defines a farm household as one that directly cultivates at least 1,000 square meters of farmland or whose annual sales of self-produced agricultural, livestock, or forestry products, or the assessed value of raised livestock, amounts to 1.2 million won or more.
The decline in farm households is accompanied by a significant decrease in the farm household population. In 2024, the agricultural population totaled 2.004 million, a reduction of 85,000 individuals (4.1%) from the year before. This continuous decline is attributed to several factors, including the migration of young people to urban centers in search of better opportunities, a low birth rate in rural areas, the retirement of elderly farmers, and shifts towards non-agricultural professions.
The historical trajectory of South Korea's farm household population highlights the severity of the current situation. In 1970, the agricultural population stood at a substantial 14.42 million. This figure decreased to 10.83 million in 1980 and further to 6.66 million in 1990. The 4 million mark was breached in 2001, and just a decade later, in 2011, the population fell below 3 million. The loss of another million individuals in the subsequent 13 years underscores the accelerating pace of rural depopulation. If this trend persists, experts predict that the farm household population could dip below one million in the mid to late 2030s, raising serious concerns about the sustainability of South Korea's agricultural sector.
Alarming Rate of Aging in the Agricultural Workforce
Compounding the issue of population decline is the rapid aging of the agricultural workforce. The proportion of the farm household population aged 65 and over reached a staggering 55.8% (1.118 million people) in 2024, an increase of 3.2 percentage points from the previous year. This is nearly three times the national average for the elderly population (19.2%), highlighting the disproportionate aging occurring in rural communities. The annual increase in the proportion of elderly farmers has been dramatic, rising from 31.1% in 2010 to 42.3% in 2020, 46.8% in 2021, 49.8% in 2022, and 52.6% in 2023.
An age-wise breakdown of the farm household population in 2024 reveals that individuals aged 70 and over constitute the largest segment, accounting for 39.2% (785,000 people) of the total. This is followed by those in their 60s (611,000) and 50s (281,000). Compared to the previous year, the population of those aged 70 and over saw an increase (2.3%), while significant decreases were observed in younger age groups, including those under 10 (21.0%), teenagers (14.4%), and those in their 40s (11.5%). This stark contrast underscores the lack of generational replacement in the agricultural sector.
Regional Distribution and Farm Size
Geographically, Gyeongsangbuk-do province has the largest number of farm households, with 163,000, followed by Jeollanam-do (139,000) and Chungcheongnam-do (113,000). In terms of farm size, over half (52.9%) of the farms are less than 0.5 hectares (1 hectare = 10,000 square meters). An additional 21.1% of farms range in size from 0.5 to 1 hectare. This prevalence of small-scale farming further complicates efforts to improve efficiency and productivity in the agricultural sector.
Government Initiatives and Future Outlook
The South Korean government has recognized the severity of this issue and has implemented various measures to address the declining agricultural population and the aging workforce. These initiatives include providing subsidies and financial support to young farmers, promoting smart farming technologies to increase efficiency and reduce labor, and developing programs to attract urban dwellers back to rural areas. However, the effectiveness of these measures in reversing the long-term trend remains to be seen.
Experts warn that the continued decline in the farm household population and the aging of the agricultural workforce pose significant risks to South Korea's food security, rural economies, and social fabric. A shrinking agricultural base could lead to increased reliance on imported food, potentially making the country vulnerable to global food price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions. Furthermore, the decline of rural communities could erode local traditions, social networks, and the overall vitality of non-urban areas.
The challenges facing South Korea's agricultural sector are multifaceted and require a comprehensive and sustained effort involving government policies, technological innovation, and community engagement. Addressing the root causes of rural depopulation, attracting and retaining young talent in agriculture, and supporting the aging farming population are crucial steps in ensuring the long-term sustainability of South Korea's agricultural future. The projection of the farm household population falling below one million this year serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for effective and proactive measures to mitigate the unfolding agricultural crisis.
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