Jeonnam Provincial Assembly Member Shin Min-ho Demands Innovative Reform of Agricultural High Schools

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Jun-kyung] Shin Min-ho, Jeonnam Provincial Assembly member (Democratic Party of Korea·Suncheon 6), proposed a policy to revitalize Jeonnam agriculture that can sustain young farmers' settlement through an innovative reorganization of the operation direction of agricultural high schools during questions on provincial administration and educational administration on the 8th.

According to the Jeonnam Provincial Assembly on the 8th, among the total 143,798 farming households in Jeonnam, only 0.1%, or 107 households, are under 30 years old, while those aged 50 and above account for 95%, and more than half of Jeonnam farming households are occupied by those aged 70 and above.

Assemblyman Shin Min-ho pointed out, "The farming population in Jeonnam decreased by a staggering 90% over 50 years, from 2.678 million in 1970 to 279,000 in 2020," adding, "Due to population outflow and aging in Jeonnam, the agricultural base is in a serious situation, and the number of young farmers has decreased by more than 50% in the last 10 years, showing a continuous declining trend, which is concerning."

He continued, "In Jeonnam, where agriculture and fisheries have a large share, vocational education to train professional farmers and fishers is very important," and urged, "Education that includes experiencing and understanding agriculture and fisheries should be included in the elementary and secondary education curriculum, and specialized education centered on those who wish to farm and support projects to establish a farming base should be designed."

In response, Superintendent Jang Seok-woong said, "We are making great efforts on the ground to operate the curriculum according to the school's identity by abandoning subject selfishness," and added, "We will try to reflect as much as possible experiential activities linked to agricultural policies."

Assemblyman Shin emphasized, "To respond to changes in the domestic and international agricultural environment and strengthen the sustainability of Jeonnam agriculture, a 'School of Agriculture Major' should be established at local universities to more actively nurture young farmers, and support policy alternatives for graduates of agricultural high schools should be devised more comprehensively and diversely."

Governor Kim Young-rok responded, "Since the agriculture and fisheries sector is a future strategic industry, we will work together with the Office of Education to create and implement appropriate systems."

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