Geochang-gun Takes First Step with 'Care and Healing Agriculture Center'...Nation's First Social and Healing Agriculture Alliance Launched

Opening Ceremony of the Care and Healing Agriculture Center.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Soon-kyung] The 'Geochang-gun Care and Healing Agriculture Center,' the nation's first federation of social agriculture and healing agriculture, has opened in Geochang-gun, Gyeongnam.

About 50 people attended the opening ceremony on the 16th, including Kim Gyu-tae, Director of Agriculture and Livestock Division of Geochang-gun, Professor Jo Rok-hwan of Daegu Haany University, Lee Seong-ho, Vice Chairman of Geochang-gun Agricultural Chamber, and members of the Geochang-gun Care and Healing Agriculture Center.

The event proceeded with an opening declaration, progress report, founding declaration, vision proclamation ceremony, congratulatory speech by Professor Jo Rok-hwan, and a healing music concert.

The social agriculture activation support project provides various services such as care, education, and employment through agricultural activities targeting socially vulnerable groups. It began as a pilot project by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs in 2018.

In Geochang-gun, since its first implementation in 2019 at Suseungdae Fermentation Village, it has been carried out in connection with several institutions such as the Geochang Regional Self-Support Center, Saetbyeol Middle School, and welfare centers, offering various programs like long school and vegan bakery for socially vulnerable groups.

Kim Gyu-tae, Director of Agriculture and Livestock Division, said, "As social agriculture and healing agriculture expand, we will work together with the Geochang-gun Care and Healing Agriculture Center and the administration to ensure that socially vulnerable people can receive help through agriculture."