"Fostering Leading Professionals for Future Agriculture"
Namwon City in North Jeolla Province announced on the 24th that it will be accepting applications for the '2025 Next-Generation Agricultural Business Leaders' until the 31st of next month.
In response to the declining farming population and increasing aging, the city plans to actively promote and guide the recruitment of talent who will lead Namwon's agriculture, and induce stable startups through customized farming support.
Eligibility for the Next-Generation Agricultural Business Leaders requires applicants to be between the ages of 18 and 50 as of the application year, and to have no experience or less than 10 years of experience in farming.
Additionally, graduates of agricultural-related departments, graduates of agricultural high schools, or those who have completed relevant education at agricultural training institutions recognized by the mayor, county governor, or district head are eligible to apply.
Those who have not completed military service may also apply; however, unless they are eligible for industrial technical personnel, loans for next-generation agricultural funds can only be applied for after completing military service.
Applications must be submitted through the Comprehensive Agricultural Management Information System, and all relevant supporting documents, including the application form and business plan, must be attached.
The submitted documents will be evaluated by a professional assessment agency, and the North Jeolla Province review committee will select the recipients. Selected individuals may receive up to 500 million KRW per household in agricultural startup funds, with an annual interest rate of 1.5%, a five-year grace period, and equal principal installment repayment over 20 years.
The support funds can be used for various purposes, including farmland purchase, facility installation, processing facilities, informatization, and operating expenses.
The operation method for the Next-Generation Agricultural Business Leaders support fund will be revised in the first half of next year. Since 2021, selected recipients must apply for fund allocation in advance before taking out a loan. The loan period is divided into the first and second halves of the year, and applicants must check allocation details and apply within the deadline.
A city official stated, "We hope that many interested farmers will apply for this project, which aims to foster professional talent to lead the future of agriculture."
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