Rural leaders from across South Korea gathered in South Chungcheong Province to vow a new leap forward for Korean agriculture and rural communities, while reinforcing their determination to safeguard the nation's food sovereignty.

The South Chungcheong provincial government announced that the 79th National Convention of the Korea Rural Leaders Association was held on the 7th at the Independence Hall of Korea in Cheonan. The event brought together approximately 15,000 participants, including South Chungcheong Governor Park Soo-hyun, Rural Development Administration (RDA) Administrator Lee Seung-don, Cheonan Mayor Jang Ki-soo, Korea Rural Leaders Association Central Federation President Noh Man-ho, South Chungcheong Provincial Federation President Kim Geun-bae, and rural leaders nationwide.

Co-hosted by the Korea Rural Leaders Central Federation and co-organized by the Central Federation, the South Chungcheong Provincial Federation, and the Cheonan City Federation, the three-day convention kicked off on the 6th and runs through the 8th under the theme: "The Republic of Korea Protected by the Spirit of Independence! Food Sovereignty We Shall Defend!"

The main ceremony on the 7th featured a retrospective video tracing the history of the rural leaders association, followed by government commendations for individuals contributing to the development of agricultural leaders, a vision performance, and an awards ceremony for the national agricultural specialty product competition.

Participants shared their experiences and wisdom, uniting to address rapidly changing agricultural environments characterized by the climate crisis, population decline, rural aging, and global supply chain instability.

The gathering took on added significance as attendees reflected on the importance of food sovereignty—protecting the public's food supply through their own hands—at the Independence Hall of Korea, a historic site embodying the nation’s spirit of independence and self-reliance.

During the government awards ceremony recognizing contributions to the sustainable development of agriculture and rural communities, South Chungcheong Provincial Federation President Kim Geun-bae received the Order of Industrial Service Merit (Coal Industry). Song Yong-su, head of the Cheonan City Federation, was awarded the Prime Minister’s Commendation, while Heo Jong-haeng, head of the Guidance Policy Division at the Provincial Agricultural Research and Extension Services, received the Presidential Commendation.

In his address, Governor Park Soo-hyun stated, "Today, farmers are safeguarding the public's food and lives while holding up our food sovereignty. Now is the time for Korean agriculture to unleash its underlying strength amidst current challenges, and we must explore new paths for the future of agriculture as a national task transcending regions and product categories."

Governor Park added, "South Chungcheong will elevate agriculture into a cutting-edge industry through the Artificial Intelligence (AI) transformation. We will ensure that the benefits of AI reach deeply and evenly into our rural communities and agriculture—which have sustained the lives of our citizens for a long time—and usher in an 'Era of Income Security' where income increases in proportion to the sweat shed."

Meanwhile, the convention venue features various exhibition halls showcasing nationwide agricultural specialties, new technologies, farming equipment, and promotional booths for South Chungcheong Province and Cheonan. Diverse side events are also being held, including low-carbon agriculture and safety experience booths for farm work, academic seminars, and local cultural performances.

The final day of the convention on the 8th will feature cultural and historical tours of South Chungcheong Province followed by the closing ceremony.

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