Ranked No.1 Nationwide in Business Performance Evaluation
Suncheon National University (President Lee Byung-woon) announced that the Jeonnam Rural Convergence Industry Support Center (Director, Professor Song Kyung-hwan of the Department of Agricultural Economics) has ranked first nationwide for four consecutive years in the ‘2023 Rural Convergence Industry Business Performance Evaluation’ hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
The Ministry evaluates the annual business performance of 11 city and provincial support centers responsible for supporting certified rural convergence industry operators nationwide, based on evaluation indicators such as certification review, on-site coaching, and market support, and allocates project funds accordingly.
The Jeonnam Rural Convergence Industry Support Center (hereinafter Jeonnam 6th Industry Center) currently manages the largest number of certified rural convergence industry operators nationwide (428 locations). It was highly evaluated for conducting the highest number of 572 consultations nationwide by operating not only on-site coaching but also youth advisory groups and one-on-one mentoring projects.
Additionally, in the 2023 ‘Rural Convergence Industry Best Practice Competition,’ Gokseong Melon Co., Ltd. and Haenam Sweet Potato Food Co., Ltd. won the grand prize and encouragement award respectively, and in the ‘Rural Convergence Industry Excellent Dining Establishment Contest,’ Haenam Sweet Potato Bread Financier received the ‘Grand Prize,’ demonstrating significant achievements in external activities as well.
Furthermore, by being selected for the ‘2023 Project to Strengthen Linkages between Agriculture and Enterprises,’ the center was allocated a budget of 640 million KRW (320 million KRW national funds, 320 million KRW provincial funds) to support the production and use of processed agricultural products by 23 companies, leading efforts to strengthen cooperation between agriculture and food companies within the province.
According to the evaluation results, the Jeonnam 6th Industry Center was allocated the largest budget of 850 million KRW among the 11 support centers, solidifying its position as the top certified operator support institution for four consecutive years.
Director Song Kyung-hwan of the Jeonnam 6th Industry Center stated, “In the era of carbon neutrality, agriculture and rural areas are indispensable, and the 6th industry has reached a stage where it must further develop so that our agriculture and rural areas can continue to play a positive role.” He added, “Jeonnam will lead the practice of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the public development of agriculture and rural areas and for more valuable production, consumption, and distribution.”
Meanwhile, the ‘Experience Activity Package Using Agricultural Products Produced in Jeonnam’ project, started to help certified operators overcome COVID-19, has become a core project unique to Jeonnam Province and the Jeonnam Center, securing a budget of 3 billion KRW in 2024 from the Ministry of Economy and Finance (1.5 billion KRW national funds, 1.5 billion KRW city and county funds).
Suncheon = Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Lee Yeon-kyung hss79@asiae.co.kr
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