(Muan=Yonhap News) The Jeonnam Headquarters of the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation awarded the title "New Image of Young Farmers" to Lee Dong-jin (36, Yongsan-myeon, Jangheung-gun) and Choi Kyung-sun (39, Gwangyang-eup, Gwangyang-si) at the Daegang Hall on the 1st.
Lee Dong-jin (Geumgok Farming Corporation) began rice farming-centered agriculture in Yongsan-myeon, Jangheung-gun in 2012 and has since diversified his farming activities to include livestock farming (Hanwoo), feed crops, and legumes (soybeans).
In 2024, he introduced a method for seedling and transplanting of soybeans, which has been evaluated to have stabilized growth and laid the foundation for producing high-quality soybeans.
Choi Kyung-sun (Ushin Farm) has been a leading farmer since returning to farming in 2013, having introduced a data-based, affordable smart farm system from the beginning and systematically managing it. Currently, she achieves nearly 300 million won in annual sales from a 1,400 pyeong facility greenhouse.
In particular, she has contributed to regional agricultural innovation by directly discovering and cultivating a special foreign chili variety, securing over a thousand trading partners such as World Food Mart and Asia Mart, and developing a niche market targeting Asians living in the country.