(Changnyeong=Yonhap News) Reporter Lee Jun-young = Changnyeong County, Gyeongnam, announced on the 3rd that it will accept applications for the "2026 Farmers and Fishermen Allowance" until the 31st to preserve the public value of farmers and fishermen and stabilize farm income. The Farmers and Fishermen Allowance is a system to compensate for the public functions performed by farmers and fishermen, such as environmental conservation, food security, and maintaining rural areas. This year, the amount of support has increased significantly. Individual farmers and fishermen (owners) will receive 600,000 won per year, and a couple of farmers and fishermen (owner and co-owner spouses) will receive 700,000 won per year (350,000 won each). This is an increase of 300,000 won and 100,000 won respectively compared to last year. Even when a couple separates and registers their business, they can each receive 350,000 won. The applicants must be owners who have maintained their farmer or fisherman business registration with a local residence registration since January 1st of last year and are actually engaged in farming or fishing. Only spouses are recognized as co-owners, and they must be registered as co-owners by the application date. Applications can be made by visiting the administrative welfare center of the town or my neighborhood in their address or through the "Agricultural e-Land" website. A county official said, "The Farmers and Fishermen Allowance is expected to ease the burden of farm management and promote local consumption, leading to a virtuous cycle in the local economy," and added, "We will strive to preserve the real income of farms and create a sustainable farming and fishing village environment."