Contribution to Agricultural and Rural Development... First Awardee Among National Assembly Members
"I Will Be a Messenger Representing the Voices of Farmers"
Seo Samsuk, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, received the '2025 Agricultural Development Innovation Award' from the President of the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation on the 31st in recognition of his legislative achievements for farmers and agriculture and rural areas. Photo by Seo Samsuk's office
Seo Samseok, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea representing Yeongam, Muan, and Shinan in South Jeolla Province, was awarded the "2025 Agricultural Development Innovation Award" selected by the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation (Nonghyup) on July 31, in recognition of his legislative achievements for farmers, agriculture, and rural communities.
The Agricultural Development Innovation Award was established in 2003 by the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation to honor public officials who have contributed to improving the quality of life for farmers and advancing agriculture and rural areas, and to inform the public of their achievements. It is regarded as the most prestigious award in the agricultural sector and is presented by the president of the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation.
Since 2018, Seo has served as a member of the National Assembly's Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans, and Fisheries Committee, working to protect the rights and interests of farmers and improve living conditions in rural areas through legislative efforts for the development of agriculture and rural communities.
In particular, he led the passage of the "Special Act on Support for Population Crisis Areas" and the "Special Act on Support for Remote Islands," which he initiated as the main sponsor. These laws specify the strengthening of state-led financial support and improvement of living infrastructure in population crisis areas such as rural regions and islands.
In addition, through the enactment of four laws?including the "Act on Promotion of Cooperation for Regional Agricultural, Forestry, and Fisheries Development Projects," which enables cooperatives such as Nonghyup to pursue regional development projects in partnership with local governments, and the "Act on the Revitalization of Rural Community-Based Economic and Social Services," which allows rural residents to directly provide community services?he has laid the foundation for improving rural living conditions and overcoming the risk of population extinction.
Every year during the National Assembly's audit of government affairs, Seo conducts a "Farmer Opinion Survey" to reflect the voices from the agricultural field. Through evaluations of government agricultural policies and surveys of key issues, he has delivered the unfiltered sentiments of farmers and rural communities to the government.
Seo stated, "I am grateful that my efforts for the development of agriculture and rural communities and for overcoming crises have been highly valued," and added, "I will continue to listen to voices from the field and do my utmost to bring about real changes in the lives of farmers."
Meanwhile, Seo has received the "National Assembly Legislative Award" for two consecutive years (2023?2024), and has been selected as an Outstanding Member of the National Assembly Audit by the Democratic Party of Korea for seven consecutive years (2018?2024). In addition, he is the first among all National Assembly members to receive the Agricultural Development Innovation Award, demonstrating his outstanding legislative activities.
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