Shifting Youth Farmer Support
From Maintaining the Status Quo to Fostering Growth and Challenge
Jinho Gun, Jeonnam Provincial Assembly Member (Democratic Party of Korea, representing Gokseong), called for a fundamental shift in Jeonnam's youth farming policies during a five-minute free speech at the 4th plenary session of the 395th 2nd regular session held on December 16.
Assemblyman Gun pointed out, "Currently, many young farmers in Jeonnam are not making sufficient efforts to expand their operations by building on the agricultural foundations established by their parents' generation." He added, "Although support programs for young farmers are announced every year, a large number of the same farms are repeatedly selected, while new young farmers are left out due to a lack of access to information."
He presented three key tasks for transforming youth farming policies: shifting to a system that supports the growth and challenges of young farmers; establishing fair standards and upper limits to prevent support from being concentrated among a few; and expanding participation opportunities for new and small-scale young farmers. In addition, he suggested creating practical pathways to success that young farmers can truly experience, such as through mentoring and consulting programs.
Assemblyman Gun emphasized, "Across Jeonnam, there are assets painstakingly built by the parents' generation." He continued, "Now it is time for young people to add their own challenges, dreams, and courage on top of that foundation." He requested, "I hope Jeonnam Province will back up its encouragement for young farmers to 'take on even bolder challenges' with concrete policies and budget support."
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