Gyeonggi Province to Provide 'Farmers and Fishermen Opportunity Income' to 172,000 in 23 Cities and Counties

Starting from June 13, Gyeonggi Province will provide the 'Farmers and Fishermen Opportunity Income' to 172,000 farmers and fishermen in 23 cities and counties within the province.

The Farmers and Fishermen Opportunity Income is a key agricultural and fisheries policy initiative of Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dongyeon’s eighth popularly elected administration. This income support program is designed to compensate farmers and fishermen for the social value they create. Young farmers and fishermen, returnees to farming and fishing, and environmentally friendly farmers and fishermen receive 1.8 million won per year in local currency, while general farmers and fishermen receive 600,000 won per year. This is the second round of payments, following the first distribution in December of last year.

The total amount to be distributed in the first half of this year is 60.8 billion won. Young farmers and fishermen, returnees, and environmentally friendly farmers and fishermen will receive 150,000 won per month for six months, totaling 900,000 won. General farmers and fishermen will receive 50,000 won per month for six months, totaling 300,000 won.

Farmers and Fishermen Opportunity Income Poster of Gyeonggi Province

Eligible recipients are those registered as agricultural or fisheries business operators whose non-agricultural or non-fisheries income is less than 37 million won, and who have engaged in farming or fishing activities in the relevant area for a specified period. Applications for the first half were accepted by each city and county from March to April, with eligibility verified in May. Payments will be made sequentially in June according to the local payment schedules. Recipients must use the local currency within 180 days of receiving it; unused funds will be automatically reclaimed.

In Gunpo City, due to a delay in enacting the ordinance for the Farmers and Fishermen Opportunity Income, applications will be accepted until June 13, and payments will begin in July.

For those who were unable to apply in the first half of the year, Gyeonggi Province will conduct a second round of payments in the second half. Applications for the second round will be accepted in September and October, with eligibility verified in November and payments made in December. Gyeonggi Province is ensuring that those who did not apply in the first half still have the opportunity to receive the Farmers and Fishermen Opportunity Income.

Lee Munmu, Director of Agricultural Policy at Gyeonggi Province, stated, "The Farmers and Fishermen Opportunity Income plays an important role in recognizing the social value and contributions of farmers and fishermen, helping to establish a stable income base. We will ensure the smooth implementation of the second round of payments in the second half of the year to help stabilize the livelihoods of farmers and fishermen and to revitalize rural areas."