Goyang Special City (Mayor Lee Dong-hwan) is actively pursuing a variety of agricultural development policies, including expanding smart farms, strengthening local food markets, and expanding healing agriculture and animal welfare, with the goal of sustainable future agriculture. In addition, it is working to revitalize the local economy and enhance agricultural competitiveness by expanding agricultural infrastructure and improving systems.
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[Korean Today] Smart Farm, Local Food, Healing Agriculture… Goyang City, Spurring Sustainable Future Agriculture © Reporter Seung-ju Ji |
Goyang Special City Agricultural Technology Center plans to invest approximately 19 billion won this year to expand the management safety net and improve agricultural production infrastructure. 3.1 billion won will be invested to prevent agricultural disasters, and soil, agricultural water, and residual pesticide management will be strengthened to increase the safety of agricultural production. In addition, 260 foreign seasonal workers will be secured to solve the problem of agricultural labor shortage.
Last year, 2 billion won was invested to expand smart farms, introducing information and communication technology (ICT) convergence facilities in 44 locations (13 ha). Smart nurseries have greatly improved agricultural production efficiency by shortening germination periods by 60%. This year, 1.6 billion won will be invested in modernizing smart farm agriculture and disseminating vertical farming technology, while research on a Hanwoo breeding cattle management system that incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) technology and the use of coffee ground compost to reduce cactus diseases will also be promoted.
The local food market is also showing remarkable results. It operates 18 local food direct sales stores, the largest in the country, and recorded sales of 100 billion won last year. This year, it plans to expand the local food distribution network by expanding the number of stores in large marts in the metropolitan area, Kim’s Club, from 14 to 19. It also plans to supply local agricultural and livestock products to school meals and to focus on developing local food and food culture education.
The flower industry is also strengthening its competitiveness. Last year, through the activation of the Goyang Flower Industry Special Zone, sales of 11 billion won were achieved, and the metropolitan flower distribution center also recorded sales of 17.1 billion won. Through the International Flower Exhibition, the percentage of Goyang farms using flowers was raised to 80%, and 320,000 paying visitors were attracted. This year, we will continue to support flower exports and modernize production facilities, and strive to establish Goyang City as a ‘city of flowers.’
New changes are also expected in the areas of animal welfare and therapeutic agriculture. Last year, the number of companion animal parks was expanded from three to six, and 199 dementia patients and their families completed the program through the operation of the Animal Communication Therapy Center. This year, a companion animal adoption center will be established to improve awareness of abandoned animals and promote adoption, and the creation of a national animal communication therapy park will be promoted.
Improvements to the system related to farmland will also be implemented. Starting in 2025, the Farmland Act will be revised to introduce rural shelters and operate a pre-report system for farmland improvement, and the installation of farm equipment sales facilities in agricultural promotion zones will be permitted. In order to strengthen farmland management, a fine of up to 3 million won will be imposed for failure to change land use.
The number of pet medical expenses will be expanded from 11 to 20, and an environment will be created where guardians can transparently compare medical expenses. Through this, Goyang City’s policies aimed at promoting citizen convenience and rights, while creating a sustainable agricultural environment, are gaining attention.
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