Nonsan Breaks Ground on 14.5 Billion Won Strawberry Smart Farm, Attracting 9 Young Farmers

Construction begins on Korea's largest 14.1-hectare complex... 6 young farmers have moved in, 3 more to relocate within this month

Export-oriented production system to be fully launched in line with the 2027 Nonsan World Strawberry Industry Expo

Paek Seonghyun, mayor of Nonsan, is delivering remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony for the "Nonsan Strawberry Industry Smart Farm Complex" project on the 13th.

Nonsan City in South Chungcheong Province has begun creating the largest strawberry smart farm complex in Korea, investing 14.5 billion won in the project. It is a strategic project aimed at attracting young farmers and establishing an export-oriented production system.

On the 13th, Nonsan City held a groundbreaking ceremony for the "Nonsan Strawberry Industry Smart Farm Complex" project in the Magupyeong-ri area of Bujeok-myeon.

About 300 people attended the event, including Mayor Paek Seonghyun, South Chungcheong Province Vice Governor for Political Affairs Jeon Hyeongsik, city and provincial council members, officials from related organizations, and young farmers who plan to move into the complex.

The project will be carried out on a total area of 14.1 hectares. The city will develop a 7.4-hectare South Chungcheong-style smart farm complex and a 6.7-hectare smart horticulture complex in phases.

The project period runs until 2028, with a total project cost of 14,555 million won.

The city plans not only to build facilities, but also to establish a foundation for young farmers to settle, demonstrate smart farming technologies, and build an export-oriented production system.

At the end of last year, the city selected 12 young farmers to move into the smart farm complex. Of these, 9 are from other regions such as Busan and Daejeon; 6 have already completed their move to Nonsan, and the remaining 3 are scheduled to complete their move within this month.

Through this, the city expects to attract a young population, boost local vitality, and promote the spread of smart farming technologies.

The city plans to fully operate the production system of the complex in line with the schedule of the Nonsan World Strawberry Industry Expo, which is scheduled to be held in 2027.

In addition, the city intends to expand the production of high-quality strawberries and strengthen the foundation for entering overseas markets, thereby further enhancing the brand value of "Nonsan Strawberries."

Mayor Paek Seonghyun said, "The smart farm complex is a key growth engine for Nonsan agriculture, combining the influx of young farmers with smart farming technologies," adding, "We will enhance the global competitiveness of Nonsan strawberries and leap forward as a city that leads the global strawberry industry."