Haenam-gun 'Over 10,000 Rice Farmers Gather in One Place'

14-16 Il Useul Sports Park Korean Rice Farmers National Members Conference Held

Haenam Rice Farmers National Members' Convention Agricultural Machinery Exhibition Scene (Photo by Haenam-gun)

[Haenam=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Hyun] The largest festival for rice farming, the ‘Korean Rice Farmers National Members Conference,’ is being held at Useul Sports Park in Haenam for three days and two nights from the 14th to the 16th.

Now in its 7th year, the Rice Farmers National Conference is organized by the Korea Rice Farmers Central Federation and has been held biennially. However, the 2020 event was canceled due to COVID-19, making this the first event in four years.

This year’s conference, themed ‘Harmony between Agriculture and People, Coexistence for the Future,’ is attended by over 10,000 rice farmers from across the country. Various events are being held to respond to the agricultural crisis and to build public consensus for the development of the rice industry.

In particular, diverse events promoting low-carbon agriculture and stimulating rice consumption are underway to counter the recent decline in rice prices and sluggish demand. Brand rice and specialty product exhibition halls from all over the country are being operated, along with rice processed food experiences, tastings, and prize giveaways.

At the parking lot area of Useul Sports Park, exhibitions and sales consultations for paddy rice-related agricultural machinery and materials are taking place, allowing visitors to see the latest agricultural machinery and supplies at a glance.

Additionally, on the 15th, a commemorative ceremony will be held at Useul Stadium with members from across the country attending. The ceremony will include awards for those who have contributed to high-quality rice production and the development of rice farmers, as well as a gathering to unite the resolve of rice farmers in response to the recent decline in rice prices and for sustainable agricultural and rural development.

Various side events during the festival also attract visitors’ attention.

On the first day, there will be ▲Nadogasuda ▲regional special performances ▲Haenam Song Festival ▲a symposium on low-carbon agriculture promotion and excellent cases of high-quality rice cultivation ▲and congratulatory performances by singer Kim Yong-im.

On the second day, events include ▲Haenam County Tour ▲Challenge Golden Bell ▲Couple Duet Song Festival ▲and performances by singer Jang Min-ho as part of the Korean Rice Grand Festival. On the third day, ▲conference evaluation ▲and the Green Environmental Movement Campaign will be held.

Myunghyeon-gwan, the mayor of Haenam County, said, “It is especially meaningful that the Rice Farmers National Members Conference, which declares the re-leap of our agriculture overcoming the COVID-19 crisis, is being held in Ttangkkeut Haenam, Korea’s representative agricultural county.” He added, “We will actively support this national rice farmers conference to become an opportunity for rice-producing farmers, consumers, agricultural organizations, and administration to communicate and collaborate, and to serve as a stepping stone to enhance the trust and value of our rice.”

Haenam=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Hyun alwatros@asiae.co.kr

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