Enforcement of the Rural Economy and Social Services Act on the 17th... Establishing Grounds for Fostering Rural Service Communities

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on the 15th that the 'Enforcement Decree and Enforcement Rules of the Act on Revitalization of Economic and Social Services Based on Rural Community' have been enacted and will be enforced starting on the 17th.

The enforcement decree and rules stipulate delegated matters under the 'Rural Economic and Social Services Act' and detailed standards necessary for its implementation, including the establishment and notification of plans to revitalize rural economic and social services, fostering service providers in rural areas and designating education and training institutions, and establishing a support system for revitalization efforts.

According to the Rural Economic and Social Services Act, the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs shall establish a revitalization plan every three years by August of the year prior to implementation, and local governments shall establish city/provincial and city/county plans tailored to regional conditions. Additionally, when establishing the revitalization plan, the Minister conducts surveys on the conditions of rural economic and social services, the current status of service provision, and the status of users and workers.

Support is also provided for fostering and strengthening the capabilities of service providers. The Minister designates farms that meet certain requirements to provide services such as care, healing, education, and employment through agriculture, and supports costs necessary for program operation. Mayors, county governors, and district heads designate cooperatives, social cooperatives, non-profit corporations, and organizations that meet certain requirements as rural service community groups to support service provision activities in areas lacking economic and social services. Furthermore, the Minister designates and operates education and training institutions that provide education, training, and counseling to strengthen the capabilities of service providers.

With the enforcement of the Rural Economic and Social Services Act, the Ministry plans to hold briefing sessions for local governments and service providers from September to October and to conduct designation contests for social farms and rural service community groups.

Kim Jong-gu, Director of the Rural Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, stated, "With the enforcement of the law, systematic support for voluntary participation and activities of rural residents to provide essential daily life services such as jobs, care, and healthcare, which are lacking in rural areas, will be expanded. We expect the establishment of a resident-led service delivery system including fostering and strengthening service providers, supporting care activities for vulnerable groups, and promoting cooperation and solidarity among related organizations."