BUYEO — Local forestry households in Buyeo County can now apply for financial assistance designed to boost sustainable forestry practices and cushion the blow of production cost disparities. The county government has opened the application window for the 2026 Eco-Friendly Forest Products Production Incentive Program, running through November 27.

The initiative aims to offset income losses and higher operating expenses faced by eco-friendly producers compared to conventional growers, ensuring the continued cultivation of environmentally safe forest goods.

To qualify for the grant, applicants must maintain their primary residence within Buyeo County and meet specific legal criteria. Essential requirements include holding valid organic or no-pesticide certifications under relevant national agricultural laws, owning certified woodland acreage within the county, and registering as an official forestry business entity. Note that general agricultural goods are excluded from this program and managed separately by the Goodtrae Management Division.

Subsidies are calculated per square meter based on the specific crop category:

Nut and fruit trees (e.g., chestnuts, walnuts, excluding jujubes): 95 won per square meter for organic; 85 won for no-pesticide.
Wild edible greens (e.g., aralia shoots, chamjuk): 55 won per square meter for organic; 47 won per square meter for no-pesticide.
Other crops (e.g., shiitake mushrooms, jujubes): 105 won per square meter for organic; 95 won per square meter for no-pesticide.
Officials noted that final unit prices are subject to adjustment depending on total application volume.
Eligible growers are instructed to gather their eco-friendly certification documents—including detailed parcel lists—and submit their applications directly to their local township or district agriculture support office before the November 27 deadline.

County representatives expressed optimism that the grants will provide a vital safety net for local eco-friendly producers, strengthening their financial resilience while expanding the region’s green agricultural footprint.

For further details, local residents can reach out to the Forest Income Team under Buyeo County’s Forest and Greenery Division.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]