[Cheonji Ilbo Gwangyang = Reporter Lee Bong-hwa] Gwangyang City in South Jeolla Province is fostering next-generation agricultural talent by expanding education, technology, and infrastructure under the vision of creating “a rural community that people return to, where young people settle down.”
The Gwangyang Agricultural Technology Center is producing skilled professionals through step-by-step, customized programs such as New Year Farmers’ Practical Training, Basic Farming Technology, Field Training, and the Eco-Friendly Agriculture College.
The Basic Farming Technology program and Field Training support the stable settlement of returnees and the skill development of young farmers, while the Eco-Friendly Agriculture College strengthens climate change adaptation and smart farming capabilities.
The Gwangyang City Life Improvement Association offers age-specific programs such as local resource experiences, farming technology, and line dancing, as well as “Agricultural Creator” training to enhance media utilization skills.
On-site programs include consulting for commercializing new technologies for local specialty crops, education for the Greenhouse Vegetable Research Association, and customized smart farm consulting.
The Gwangyang Scientific Farming Center is establishing a safe, science-based farming system through microbial production, soil and compost testing, and pesticide residue analysis for agricultural products.
Mobile agricultural machinery repair services and hands-on training improve farming efficiency, with additional courses for women-friendly machinery and mechanization of field farming.
Through these education, technology dissemination, and citizen participation efforts, Gwangyang is strengthening the foundation for a sustainable rural industry.