Young Returnee in Chungnam Earns 150 Million Won in One Year Through Smart Farming

Young Farmers Earning Over 100 Million Won Annually Emerge in Chungnam
Chungnam-Style Self-Sustaining Smart Farms Attracting a New Generation to Rural Communities

Governor Kim Taeheum of Chungnam Province is visiting the smart farm complex in Buyeo County on the 16th and having a conversation with young people. It is reported that a young farmer in his 20s earned an income of 150 million won in just one year. Photo by Chungnam Provincial Government

In Chungnam Province, a growing number of young farmers are earning annual incomes exceeding 100 million won through smart farms.

The "Youth Smart Farm Development Policy," a key initiative promoted by the 8th popularly elected Chungnam administration, is beginning to bear substantial fruit and is emerging as a successful model for attracting young people and returnees to farming.

According to the provincial government on June 16, a person in their 20s, referred to as A, who left a job in Seoul to return to their hometown, moved into the smart farm complex in Jangam-myeon, Buyeo County in December last year. In their first year, A produced 60,000 kilograms of European-style leafy vegetables, achieving total sales of 408 million won.

After deducting material costs, loan interest, and other expenses from sales, the net profit amounted to 157.18 million won, effectively realizing an "annual salary of 150 million won."

A established a 3,300-square-meter (1,000-pyeong) smart farm with a total budget of 950 million won.

Of this, A utilized 315 million won in Chungnam self-sustaining smart farm support funds, 500 million won in youth successor farmer loans, and 135 million won in interest-free loans, successfully launching the smart farm business without any personal capital.

Smart farms, as automated and ICT-based facilities, not only enhance productivity but also reduce labor and secure stable sales channels, making them a key means for young people to return to farming.

In addition, there are several other young farmers earning over 100 million won, such as B, a person in their 30s growing tomatoes in Dangjin (net profit of 350 million won), and C, a person in their 20s growing strawberries in Nonsan (net profit of 300 million won).

A recent survey of seven youth smart farm households in the province found that the average sales amounted to 340 million won, with an average net profit of 180 million won.

An official from the provincial government stated, "Although the income of young farmers varies depending on the crops grown, management strategies, mentor capabilities, and sales channels, it has been confirmed that the majority of young people who have adopted smart farms are earning high incomes."

Governor Kim Taeheum of Chungnam Province also recently visited the smart farm complex in Jangam-myeon, Buyeo, to inspect the policy site and held a meeting with young farmers, promising, "We will realize a rural community that young people return to and an agriculture in which young people can succeed."

This successful smart farm case in Chungnam is breaking the perception that "farming in rural areas is not profitable" and is opening new opportunities for young people. Experts predict that if continuous mentoring and sales channel support are provided, it will lead to an increase in young returnees to farming and revitalize the local economy.