A smart livestock complex capable of raising 3.2 million layer hens will be established in Taebaek City, with a total investment of 483.9 billion won by 2031. This facility is expected to produce an average of 1.86 million eggs daily, contributing to the expansion of the domestic egg supply and revitalizing the local economy.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on September 16 that Taebaek City has been selected as a candidate for the smart livestock complex project in 2026.
Taebaek City plans to develop a 45-hectare smart layer hen complex in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, and the agricultural corporation Ganong Bio. The project budget includes 17.8 billion won in national subsidies, 8.2 billion won in local funding, and 457.9 billion won from Ganong Bio's own investment and loans.
The complex aims to achieve a daily egg production target of 1.86 million, which represents about 3.7% of the country's average daily production. The government believes that securing a stable production base will help stabilize supply and prices amid ongoing challenges in egg production due to highly pathogenic avian influenza and heatwaves.
Taebaek City received high marks for its high-altitude location, which prevents tropical nights and reduces the risk of heat damage. The absence of migratory bird habitats also lowers the risk of outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza, which was a factor in its selection.
This project marks the establishment of the first smart layer hen complex in the country, facilitated by the relocation of Ganong Bio from Pocheon. The government anticipates that it will create approximately 355 new jobs, promoting population influx and revitalizing the local economy, which has been affected by the decline of the coal industry.
Additionally, the project will include initiatives for community coexistence. Taebaek City plans to utilize egg-related experiential facilities as tourist attractions and is considering building a biomass power generation facility that converts chicken manure into energy, sharing some of the profits with nearby residents. Together with Ganong Bio, the city will establish a training facility for young farmers aspiring to enter the livestock industry.
However, conflicts with civic groups in the neighboring Samcheok area and concerns about the spread of livestock diseases due to large-scale farming remain challenges.
In response, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and Taebaek City will implement air purification systems and forced ventilation drying systems in all livestock buildings, and will purify and recycle wastewater to address concerns about odors, dust, and water pollution. They are also considering a management system that allows citizens of Taebaek and Samcheok to monitor odor and wastewater treatment conditions.
In terms of biosecurity, poultry biosecurity experts will be involved from the design phase of the complex, and additional disinfection facilities will be installed along with regular inspections of biosecurity management practices.
Lee Jae-sik, director of livestock policy at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, stated, "We will spare no support and consulting to ensure that Taebaek City becomes a global cutting-edge egg industry cluster, encompassing production, processing, distribution, research and development (R&D), professional workforce training, and an AI-based perfect biosecurity management system."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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