1. Study Objectives and Methods

▮Research objectives

￮Jeollabuk-do has been intensively fostering the agriculture and life industry that is tailored to the region. The eighth popularly elected local government has set “becoming the capital of the agriculture and life industry” as its key agricultural policy and has sought a range of measures to navigate toward this ambitious goal in an effective and timely manner.

￮This study analyzes the conditions in Jeollabuk-do which can grow as the capital of the agriculture and life industry and presents related plans and strategies to facilitate the process.

▮Research methods

￮For the literature review and analysis, we examined scholarly papers, academic reports, and policy data to gain insights into the concept of the capital of the agriculture and life industry and relevant discussions, plans, and policies. 

￮We created a blueprint for the policy objectives based on our analysis of the current status of the region’s agriculture and life industry by sector, changes in the conditions of each sector, and their competitive edge.

2. Conclusion and Policy Suggestion

▮Concept of agriculture and life industry capital and goals it pursues

￮(Fundamental concept) As the center of the agricultural and life industry representing Korea, the region with the most excellent competitiveness with comprehensively developed related ecosystems.

￮(Policy objectives) This region is determined to fuel the “innovative growth” of the agriculture and life industry by combining downstream and upstream agricultural sectors and to realize “farmer happiness” by making its agriculture and farming villages sustainable. 

￮(Strategies to be pursued) We propose a range of effective measures, which are centered on the pursuit of six strategies and 16 core tasks, to fulfil the above-mentioned policy objectives. 

▮Measures to promote capital of agriculture and life industry

￮(Systematic start-up support for young farmers) With the ultimate goal of attracting young people and facilitating their success, one-stop integrated support systems will be established to provide educational and start-up services, helping prospective young entrepreneurs settle in the region, secure markets, and manage their businesses. 

￮(Increases in farm household income through demand creation) Win–win situations will be pursued for both agro-food companies and regional agriculture through growth support programs. A food system that links production with consumption will be constructed while smartizing distribution and exports to boost regional competitiveness.

￮(Advancement in ecosystem of new agriculture and life industries) Nurturing agriculture and life innovation clusters to secure the region’s global competitiveness in the green-bio industry will be prioritized. Additionally, the Saemangeum area will be developed into a cutting-edge food complex to become a “K-food mecca”.

￮(Transition to sustainable agricultural structure to cope with crises) The pursuit of smartization, specialization, and systemization will promote income stability while accelerating the process of creating a livestock farming environment that successfully coexists with the region and transitioning to sustainable structures such as low-carbon agriculture. 

￮(Reinforcement of management stability for farmers’ peace of mind) A stable farming environment will be fostered by establishing a labor supply system in rural areas, providing support for management stability and sustainable farming practices, and creating a farming environment that reduces the burden of climate change. 

￮(Creation of vibrant rural areas in which everyone aspires to live) Efficient space developments will be pursued to support comprehensive infrastructures centered on living areas and social services and to create vibrant farming villages in which everyone can live and enjoy themselves.