Pocheon City Launches 'Outsourced Agricultural Work-Based Foreign Seasonal Worker Pilot Project' to Address Farm Labor Shortages

Pocheon City has been selected as the final local government to participate in the Ministry of Justice's pilot project for the "Outsourced Agricultural Work-Based Foreign Seasonal Worker Program."

Pocheon City Hall exterior. Provided by Pocheon City

This pilot project introduces a new employment model that differs from the existing direct employment method by farmers. Under this model, an institution (corporation) designated by the local government hires foreign workers and undertakes agricultural work on behalf of farmers through outsourcing contracts. This allows farmers to reduce the burden of hiring and managing labor, while workers benefit from a more systematic and stable working environment.

Pocheon City has designated the Pocheon Agricultural Foundation as the implementing agency and will officially launch the project in March 2026. The city plans to prioritize support for elderly farmers, women farmers, and small-scale farmers, aiming to establish an efficient and sustainable system for outsourced agricultural work.

The outsourced seasonal worker system is expected not only to help resolve labor shortages in farming households but also to improve working conditions and increase productivity for foreign workers. Additionally, it is projected to stabilize labor supply during peak farming seasons, support stable farm management, and ultimately strengthen the competitiveness of local agriculture.

The Pocheon Agricultural Foundation will be responsible for all aspects of the project, including the selection and employment of workers, assignment to farms, and management of accommodations and welfare. The foundation will focus on improving the efficiency of matching between workers and farms and on creating a stable working environment.

Pocheon Mayor Baek Younghyeon stated, "Being selected for this pilot project marks an important turning point in resolving labor shortages and ensuring the sustainable development of Pocheon's agriculture," adding, "With the Pocheon Agricultural Foundation at the center, we will establish an efficient farming model where both farmers and workers can thrive together."

Meanwhile, Pocheon City has signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with countries such as Cambodia and Laos and has been actively implementing the foreign seasonal worker program since 2024. The number of foreign workers entering the city is expected to increase from 58 in 2024 to 189 in 2025, and approximately 432 in 2026. Through this pilot project, the city aims to further advance its agricultural workforce support system and establish a stable foundation for agricultural production.