Vegetables Grown in District Office Smart Farm Served at Mapo Seniors' Hyodobapsang Meal

On July 10, Mapo District in Seoul announced that it had delivered the European lettuce variety 'Butterhead,' harvested from the smart farm established in an unused space on the first floor of the district office, to the Mapo Welfare Foundation. The lettuce will be used as an ingredient for 'Hyodobapsang,' Mapo District's signature welfare meal program for seniors.

Park Gangsu, mayor of Mapo District, and children are observing smart farm vegetables inside the government building. Provided by Mapo District.

Smart farms are attracting attention as a future-oriented agricultural model that responds to changes such as climate change and environmental pollution, and enables the production of safe food. In September 2023, Mapo District set up a smart farm based on hydroponics, covering about 10 square meters, in an unused space on the first floor of the district office. The district has been expanding its operation as a space where residents can participate in hands-on experiences and educational programs.

In particular, the district is running a 'Smart Farm Experience Program' for local children. Through this program, children learn about the principles and importance of smart farms, and experience planting seedlings, harvesting crops, and cooking with the produce themselves.

Currently, the smart farm grows a variety of leafy vegetables, including lettuce, arugula, and basil, and the harvested crops are used for welfare projects and other initiatives. As part of these efforts, the smart farm produce was provided for 'Hyodobapsang,' a meal program for seniors aged 75 and older, adding further significance to the initiative.

Because the produce is served directly in meals for seniors, it underwent residual pesticide and heavy metal testing by the Seoul Institute of Health and Environment, which confirmed its safety and quality, ensuring that it is safe for consumption.

Park Gangsu, mayor of Mapo District, said, "It is especially meaningful to be able to serve vegetables grown directly in the smart farm inside the district office at the Hyodobapsang meal for seniors." He added, "We will continue to expand the smart farm, not only to provide healthy food to the local community, but also to serve as an eco-friendly educational space for future generations."