South Gyeongsang Province Marks Farmers' Day ... "Will Work to Stabilize Agricultural Prices and Increase Farm Household Incomes"

South Gyeongsang Province held a ceremony at the Changwon Convention Center (CECO) on November 11 to mark the 31st Farmers' Day. The event honored and encouraged farmers across the province for their hard work and shared a vision for the future of agriculture in South Gyeongsang Province.

Governor Park said, "This year brought home the severity of climate change: we struggled to secure water for agriculture during an extreme drought, and later suffered damage from torrential rains. I thank all the farmers who have worked to protect and advance agriculture despite challenging conditions, including climate change and an aging population."

South Gyeongsang Province Governor Park Wansu delivers remarks at an event commemorating the 31st Farmers' Day. [Photo courtesy of South Gyeongsang Province]

He stressed, "We cannot simply blame climate change and the difficulties facing rural communities. We must adapt to the changing environment, overcome its challenges, and continue to advance agriculture."

He pledged, "South Gyeongsang Province will also promote smart agriculture, export-oriented agriculture, and high-value-added agriculture to increase farm household incomes, and pursue policies that provide tangible support to farmers."

He added, "I am well aware that agricultural prices are barely rising and that farmers are struggling. Although increased local funding obligations for national programs, including basic income for farming and fishing communities, limit our ability to expand support, we will discuss measures with the provincial council to lower farmers' out-of-pocket costs for disaster insurance and continue working to stabilize agricultural prices and increase farm household incomes."

The event commemorating the 31st Farmers' Day is being held at the Changwon Convention Center in Seongsan-gu, Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province. [Photo provided by Gyeongsangnam-do]

Farmers' Day is a government-designated commemorative day established to raise awareness of the importance of agriculture and strengthen farmers' pride and self-esteem.

November 11 was chosen because the Chinese character for "soil" (土) is composed of 十 and 一. Farmers' Day has been observed as a national commemorative day since 1996.

At the ceremony, a total of 43 people were honored for their contributions to agricultural development. Awards included government commendations from the president, prime minister, and ministers; a governor's commendation for contributions to agricultural development; the Proud Farmer and Fisher Award; and awards for South Gyeongsang Province's branded rice and traditional premium liquor.

The program also included a promotional video about agricultural policies and a commemorative ceremony in which participants pledged to advance the future of agriculture in South Gyeongsang Province.

Exhibition booths showcased the province's outstanding products and future agricultural technologies, including its branded rice and traditional premium liquor, processed foods for export, products made by holders of the New Knowledge Farmer designation, and agricultural drones.

About 200 people attended, including Governor Park Wansoo; Lee Gyeongjae, chair of the Provincial Council's Agriculture, Oceans and Fisheries Committee; Ahn Byeonghwa, president of the South Gyeongsang Province Federation of Agricultural and Fisheries Organizations; other distinguished guests; and representatives of the farming community and agriculture-related organizations and institutions.

Gyeongsangnam-do Governor Park Wan-su (front row, far right) views traditional award-winning liquor on display at an event commemorating the 31st Farmers' Day. [Photo provided by Gyeongsangnam-do]

South Gyeongsang Province said it is focusing its efforts on improving agricultural productivity, strengthening distribution and export competitiveness, and revitalizing rural communities to achieve the agricultural policy vision of its ninth popularly elected administration: "Profitable Agriculture, Prosperous Rural Communities."

Alongside this, the province plans to expand the foundation for smart agriculture to reduce farmers' operating burdens and boost productivity, while supporting South Gyeongsang agricultural products' entry into overseas markets to strengthen their export competitiveness.

It also plans to build sustainable agriculture and rural communities by fostering high-value-added industries, including food processing and distribution, and expanding income safety nets for farmers.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.