Designation of 'Cheongyang Gugija Traditional Agriculture' as National Important Agricultural Heritage: "Contributing to the Livelihood of Cheongyang Residents through Traditional Techniques"

Since 2013, a total of 18 sites have been designated as National Important Agricultural Heritage Sites

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on the 30th that 'Cheongyang Goji Traditional Agriculture' has been designated as the 19th National Important Agricultural Heritage.

National Important Agricultural Heritage refers to agricultural resources, both tangible and intangible, that farmers have long developed by adapting to the environment, society, and customs of a particular region, which the government recognizes as worthy of preservation. Since 2013, 18 sites have been designated.

In May, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs received heritage site nominations from cities and counties, and through reviews by the Agricultural Heritage Advisory Committee, consultation meetings, and field investigations, evaluated whether the sites met the designation criteria. As a result, Cheongyang Goji Traditional Agriculture was finally designated as the 19th National Important Agricultural Heritage.

Cheongyang Goji Traditional Agriculture has contributed to the livelihood of Cheongyang residents by overcoming the unfavorable agricultural environment with limited farmland, utilizing small plots of land and harvesting goji berries twice a year using traditional cutting techniques. Additionally, a cultivation landscape harmonized with gentle mountainous basins has been formed. Local residents and local governments actively maintain cooperative relationships through community organizations such as the indigenous goji berry producers' cooperative and work to preserve the genetic diversity of goji berry varieties, including the Cheongyang native species.

Along with the designation as National Important Agricultural Heritage, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs will support the discovery, preservation, and succession of agricultural heritage resources with 1.43 billion KRW over the next three years (70% national funds, 30% local funds). Starting next year, Cheongyang County will use the budget to conduct resource surveys, establish plans for preservation and utilization, and manage the conservation of Cheongyang Goji Traditional Agriculture.

Kim Go-eun, Director of the Rural Economy Division at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, stated, "The designation of Cheongyang Goji Traditional Agriculture as National Important Agricultural Heritage is expected to enhance the pride of residents and local governments who have preserved traditional goji berry farming amid environmental crises such as abnormal weather, promote mutual cooperation and support, and contribute to revitalizing the regional economy."