Agriculture, one of humanity's oldest industries, is evolving into a sector that integrates cutting-edge technology. Climate change, an aging rural population, and labor shortages pose significant threats to the sustainability of South Korean agriculture. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a potential solution to these challenges.
Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Song Mi-ryung described this initiative not merely as an expansion of smart farms but as a comprehensive 'AI Transformation (AX) in Agriculture and Rural Areas.' The national strategy aims to apply AI not only in production but also across distribution and consumption, fundamentally changing the agricultural landscape.
The government has outlined key projects, including the establishment of AI farms, a national agricultural AX platform, specialized agricultural data centers, AI-based supply and demand forecasting, and the development of smart rural living zones, with the goal of elevating South Korean agriculture to a world-class level in AI farming.
The question is clear.
Can South Korean agriculture be reborn as a future growth industry through AI?
AI is Changing the Paradigm of Agriculture
Minister Song has identified the transition to AI in agriculture as a core policy objective.
While previous smart agriculture initiatives focused primarily on facility horticulture and select leading farms, the new strategy aims to ensure that all farmers and rural residents can benefit from AI.
The government envisions a future where 'farming is easier with AI, supply and demand is more stable, and rural life is more convenient,' and is pursuing 13 projects across four key areas: production, distribution, rural living, and the establishment of an AI ecosystem.
AI is no longer just an auxiliary technology in agriculture; it is becoming a crucial infrastructure that redesigns the sector.
The Era of AI Farms
A flagship policy of Minister Song is the establishment of AI Farms.
The government plans to create AI farms centered around a national agricultural AX platform, along with specialized agricultural data centers and agricultural foundation models.
Projects like NEXT Farm will see drones and autonomous farming machinery managing fields, while AI analyzes soil and weather data to automate decisions on planting, irrigation, and pest control.
Agriculture is shifting from an experience-based industry to a data-driven one.
AI Predicts Agricultural PricesThe greatest uncertainties in agriculture are supply and pricing.
The government plans to build an AI-based supply and demand forecasting system to predict production volumes and prices of key agricultural products with greater accuracy.
By linking the agricultural satellite set to launch in 2026 with AI, the government aims to analyze cultivation areas and growth conditions, while expanding AI sorting and shipping systems at smart distribution centers (APCs).
AI will also be introduced in livestock grading to enhance accuracy and reliability. A pilot 'Smart Consumption Information App' for consumers will also be launched.
AI could serve as a bridge, providing stable incomes for farmers and reasonable prices for consumers.
Smart Rural Communities Enhance Quality of Life
Minister Song does not limit AI to agricultural technology alone.
Another goal is to innovate rural living through AI.
The government plans to establish 100 smart rural living zones by 2030, providing AI-based transportation, care, and lifestyle services.
Through AI care services, demand-responsive transportation, and convenience services, the government aims to create a safer and more convenient life in aging rural areas.
AI can become a vital infrastructure that revitalizes rural communities.
AI Responds to Climate Crisis and Disasters
Climate change is the biggest variable in agriculture.
The government is establishing a disaster response system using AI-based risk maps, groundwater prediction systems, and AI pest control drones.
The goal is to create a system where AI analyzes weather information and disaster data to predict and respond to risks such as droughts, floods, and pest outbreaks.
AI is not just a technology for recovery; it is a technology for prevention.
AI Startups and Young Farmers Shape the Future
AI in agriculture is also creating new industries.
The government is actively nurturing agricultural AI startups, aiming to support 3,000 promising food and agriculture startups by 2030.
AI-based smart agriculture is expected to provide new entrepreneurial opportunities for young people and lay the groundwork for transforming agriculture into a future growth industry.
AI could also pave the way for young talent to return to rural areas.
AI is Already Delivering Results in Rural Areas
Following the announcement of the AX strategy, Minister Song inspected smart farms and smart APCs where AI is being applied.
Farms that have adopted AI solutions have seen a reduction in pests and an increase in production, while smart APCs are enhancing sorting and distribution efficiency through AI and automation technologies.
Minister Song stated that these successful cases will be expanded nationwide to ensure that anyone, regardless of farm size, can utilize AI.
AI is no longer a futuristic technology; it is becoming a reality in rural areas.
Minister Song's AI strategy is not just a partial improvement in agricultural policy.
It is a national project aimed at redesigning South Korean agriculture and rural areas around AI.
AI farms, the national agricultural AX platform, smart distribution, and smart rural living zones all share a common goal.
To make South Korea the world's leading country in AI agriculture.
Agriculture is the oldest industry, but with AI, it can transform into the most innovative sector.
The AI transformation in agriculture and rural areas that Minister Song is promoting could serve as a new national strategy that simultaneously addresses food security and the future of rural communities.
:Minister Song Mi-ryung:
An expert in agricultural economics and rural policy, he has led initiatives in rural development and agricultural innovation. In 2026, he announced the 'AI Transformation (AX) Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Areas' in collaboration with relevant ministries, focusing on AI farms, a national agricultural AX platform, specialized agricultural data centers, AI-based supply and demand forecasting, and the creation of smart rural living zones as core policies.
His goal is to enhance productivity and distribution efficiency through AI, improve the quality of life for rural residents, and transform South Korean agriculture into a future growth industry.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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