JEJU ISLAND, South Korea - The Korea Rural Community Corporation (KRC) is spearheading a groundbreaking initiative to support young farmers in Jeju by establishing the island's first reserved farmland rental-type smart farm. This project aims to alleviate the high initial investment costs associated with smart farming and provide sustainable opportunities for aspiring agricultural entrepreneurs.

KRC's Jeju Regional Headquarters announced on the 19th that they are investing 1 billion KRW to construct two state-of-the-art smart farms on an 11,000㎡ plot in Daejeong-eup, Seogwipo-si. The facilities, equipped with AI-powered environmental control and automated irrigation systems, are designed to optimize energy efficiency and create ideal growing conditions.

The smart farms will be available for long-term lease, up to 20 years, to young farmers at an annual rental fee of approximately 3.16 million KRW per unit. This affordable access to advanced farming technology is expected to significantly boost agricultural entrepreneurship in the region.

"We are committed to providing systematic post-management support to ensure the success of this pioneering project," stated Jeon Byeong-chil, head of KRC's Jeju Regional Headquarters, during a site visit on the 18th. "Our goal is to establish this smart farm model as a benchmark for the future of Jeju's agriculture."

The project is slated for completion by the end of this month, marking a significant milestone in Jeju's efforts to modernize its agricultural sector and empower its next generation of farmers.