DAEJEON, SOUTH KOREA  – The Daejeon Metropolitan City Agricultural Technology Center marked a significant step in promoting urban well-being and community engagement with the official opening of its revitalized Happy Farm and pioneering Care Farm on Saturday, April 12th. The inauguration ceremony, held at the center's premises located at 97, Gyochon-daejeong-ro in Yuseong-gu, heralded the commencement of the 15th year for the esteemed Happy Farm program and the exciting introduction of the specialized Care Farm initiative.

The event drew enthusiastic participation from local residents eager to embrace urban agriculture. Attendees were provided with comprehensive guidance on the regulations governing the allotment usage, ensuring a harmonious and productive environment for all participants. Furthermore, the center demonstrated its commitment to sustainable practices by distributing soil enrichment compost and detailed crop cultivation guidebooks free of charge, empowering novice and experienced gardeners alike to achieve successful and environmentally conscious harvests.

The Happy Farm, a cornerstone of Daejeon's urban agriculture landscape for over a decade and a half, has consistently provided city dwellers with an invaluable opportunity to connect with nature and cultivate their own produce within the urban fabric. This year, the program boasts 130 individual garden plots, meticulously prepared and allocated to eager citizens through a competitive application process that underscores the program's popularity and impact.

Building upon the established success of the Happy Farm, the Daejeon Agricultural Technology Center has innovatively integrated a Care Farm component, dedicating 20 of the 130 plots to this vital initiative. The Care Farm transcends the traditional concept of a community garden, evolving into a therapeutic space designed to cater to the specific needs of vulnerable populations within Daejeon. Through carefully curated and tailored horticultural activities and therapeutic programs, the Care Farm aims to foster emotional resilience, alleviate stress, and enhance the overall quality of life for its participants. The program will incorporate elements of horticultural therapy, allowing individuals to engage with nature in a way that promotes mental and physical well-being. Activities may include planting, tending, harvesting, and creating natural crafts, all under the guidance of trained professionals.

The operational period for both the Happy Farm and the Care Farm extends from April through the end of November, providing an ample window for participants to cultivate a diverse array of seasonal vegetables. Adhering to eco-friendly farming principles, participants will have the opportunity to grow crops such as crisp lettuce, vibrant chili peppers, and hearty cabbage, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable food practices and the natural growth cycle. The center will also provide ongoing support and workshops throughout the season to assist participants with various aspects of organic gardening.

For citizens seeking further information or wishing to stay updated on the programs and activities of the Daejeon Agricultural Technology Center, comprehensive details are readily available on the center's official website. Additionally, the center actively engages with the community through its KakaoTalk channel (search: “대전광역시농업기술센터”), offering a convenient platform for inquiries and updates on urban farming initiatives.

Lee Hyo-sook, the esteemed Head of the Daejeon Agricultural Technology Center, expressed her heartfelt aspirations for the programs, stating, "It is our sincere hope that the Happy Farm will continue to be a place where citizens who harbor a passion for urban agriculture can forge cherished memories, cultivate a profound connection with nature, and ultimately experience the immense joy of a bountiful and self-grown harvest. Furthermore, we are immensely proud to introduce the Care Farm, which we believe will serve as a vital sanctuary for vulnerable members of our community, offering a unique pathway to healing and renewed vitality through the therapeutic power of nature and horticulture."

The establishment of the Care Farm alongside the well-established Happy Farm underscores the Daejeon Metropolitan City Agricultural Technology Center's commitment to fostering a healthier, more connected, and resilient urban community. By integrating therapeutic horticulture into its urban agriculture initiatives, the center is not only promoting sustainable food practices but also actively addressing the crucial need for accessible mental and emotional well-being resources within the city. The Happy Farm and Care Farm stand as shining examples of how urban spaces can be transformed into vibrant hubs of community engagement, environmental stewardship, and holistic well-being. 

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