Gyeonggi Province is holding an additional public contest to select one more stay-type rural smart farm that utilizes closed schools and other facilities in rural areas to create smart farms and generate jobs for vulnerable groups.
The stay-type rural smart farm is a model that supports stay-type agricultural activities by utilizing idle buildings such as closed schools in rural areas.
By establishing smart farms to produce agricultural products while diversifying revenue through experiential learning, education, camping sites, animal farms, and more, it is gaining attention as an effective way to create local jobs and restore rural communities through the return of surplus profits to the region.
Gyeonggi Province selected two locations through a public contest last month and will select one more location through this additional contest.
Applicants include local governments and affiliated organizations within the province, as well as social cooperatives, social enterprises, and farmers (including agricultural corporations). They may also participate jointly by forming a consortium. In particular, support will be provided so that social enterprises or cooperatives can operate smart farms as the main entity, strengthening connections with the local community and realizing the social role of agriculture.
The main support items include ▲facility costs for establishing cultivation environments ▲facilities and equipment for crop production ▲design and consulting costs for smart farm construction, as well as ▲shared workshops and storage facilities ▲education, experience, and community spaces ▲processing and sales facilities necessary for smart farm operation.
In addition, by supporting the construction and operation of various ancillary facilities related to smart farm operation, plans are in place to create an innovative and sustainable agricultural environment.
Applications are open until May 13, and institutions or organizations wishing to apply should check the announcement on the Gyeonggi Province website (gg.go.kr), then submit the application form, business plan, and supporting documents to the relevant city or county office in charge of the project site.
Park Jong-min, Director of the Gyeonggi Province Agriculture, Fisheries and Life Sciences Bureau, said, "This additional public contest for stay-type rural smart farms is an important step to revitalize the region and create a sustainable agricultural environment," adding, "Gyeonggi Province plans to continuously support smart farms so that they become a model that realizes social value beyond being a simple agricultural production space."
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