(Hongseong=Yonhap News) Reporter Han Jong-gu = A smart horticulture complex centered around the strawberry industry is being established in Nonsan, South Chungcheong.
The South Chungcheong Provincial Government announced on the 25th that Nonsan City has been selected for the 'Smart Horticulture Complex Foundation Establishment Project' organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, securing 2 billion 345 million won in national funds.
This project aims to consolidate and expand small-scale scattered facility horticulture businesses to improve management efficiency and strengthen global competitiveness. It is a national-level project.
After conducting on-site surveys and face-to-face evaluations, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs reviewed the feasibility, site suitability, and plan validity, selecting Nonsan in South Chungcheong, as well as Hoengseong in Gangwon, Boeun in North Chungcheong, and Haenam in South Jeolla, among four locations.
This will be the fourth smart horticulture complex in South Chungcheong, following those in Buyeo, Dangjin, and Yesan.
In addition to the national funds, 310 million won in provincial funds and 740 million won in city funds will be invested, totaling 3 billion 350 million won, to establish a 6.7-hectare smart horticulture complex in Bujeok-myeon.
The provincial government expects that once the smart horticulture complex is fully operational, strawberry facility cultivation will expand, and it will also contribute to the successful hosting of the Nonsan Strawberry Industry Expo in 2027.
A provincial official said, "The Nonsan Smart Horticulture Complex will synergize with the existing strawberry industry cluster and become a cornerstone of the agricultural and rural structural reform in South Chungcheong. It is also expected to contribute to the influx of young farmers."
jkhan@yna.co.kr