Jeonnam Governor Kim Young-rok Proposes Establishment of AI Advanced Agro-Industry Convergence Zone

Minister Jeong Hwang-geun's Meeting with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

Kim Young-rok, Governor of Jeonnam Province, requested Minister Jeong Hwang-geun of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to secure national funding for regional issues such as the creation of an AI-based advanced agricultural convergence district.

The meeting was also attended by Kwon Jae-han, Director of Agricultural Innovation Policy at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and Kang Hyo-seok, Director of Agriculture, Livestock and Food at Jeonnam Province.

Governor Kim stated, "Now, South Korean agriculture needs a major transformation towards digital agriculture based on advanced agricultural technology (AgTech) and export-oriented growth," and added, "To realize this, we ask for full support for projects such as the AI-based advanced agricultural convergence district and the establishment of an international organic food export platform that Jeonnam is promoting."

He also urged, "To stabilize rice prices, the government should take firm measures to suppress speculative expectations in the market regarding the release of government-managed rice stocks, and quickly devise the best possible measures to normalize rice prices."

In addition, he requested the inclusion of budget for key national projects in 2024, including ▲ the construction of an agricultural big data center ▲ the establishment of an international organic food export platform ▲ the installation of a local food promotion center ▲ the K-Kimchi industry cluster ▲ and the increase of budget for the agricultural food climate change response center.

In response, Minister Jeong Hwang-geun expressed deep interest in Jeonnam’s issues, including the creation of the advanced agricultural convergence district.