Hwasun-gun to Fully Pay 'Farmer and Fisherman Public Interest Allowance'

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Young-gyun] Hwasun County, Jeollanam-do (County Governor Gu Chung-gon) announced on the 9th that it will pay the full amount of 4.7 billion won in public interest allowances for farmers and fishermen starting from the 13th to revitalize the local economy in response to COVID-19.

The county originally planned to pay 300,000 won twice a year, in the first and second halves, but decided to disburse the full amount early to stabilize the livelihoods of farmers struggling due to COVID-19 and to promote local economic revitalization.

The public interest allowance for farmers and fishermen, paid at 600,000 won per household, will be provided in the form of Hwasun Love Gift Certificates, which can only be used locally.

On the 7th, the county held a public interest allowance review committee meeting and decided to pay 600,000 won per household to 7,842 eligible households, totaling 4.7052 billion won.

The number of eligible recipients this year increased by about 400 compared to last year.

Eligible recipients can visit the local agricultural cooperatives in the eup and myeon areas or the Hwasun County branch of the agricultural cooperative from the 13th, present their ID for verification, and receive 600,000 won in Hwasun Love Gift Certificates.

In addition, the county is promoting direct and indirect support measures such as purchasing flowers from floriculture farms, joint purchases of eco-friendly agricultural products, and reductions in agricultural machinery rental fees.

They are also lowering the annual interest rate on new loans from the Agricultural and Fisheries Promotion Fund and deferring repayment periods.

This year, the annual interest rate for new loan applicants will be reduced from 2% to 1%, and the repayment period for eligible recipients (a total of 22 households, 1.221 billion won) will be deferred for one year.

To minimize labor shortages during the farming season, the county has been operating an agricultural workforce support situation room since last month to assist with labor supply.

A county official said, “We hope that the early disbursement of the public interest allowance will provide some support not only to farmers and fishermen facing difficulties but also to small business owners,” and added, “We will continue to actively promote support policies in response to COVID-19.”

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