Jeonnam Nonghyup Selects Two Recipients for 'New Young Farmer Award'

Lee Dongjin of Yongsan Nonghyup in Jangheung and Choi Kyungseon of Gwangyang Horticultural Nonghyup Receive Awards

In 2025, Lee Dongjin from Yongsan-myeon, Jangheung-gun, and Choi Kyungsun from Gwangyang-eup, Gwangyang-si, were honored with the 'New Young Farmer Award.' From the third person from the left are Lee Dongjin and Choi Kyungsun. Provided by Jeonnam Nonghyup

The Jeonnam branch of the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation announced on December 1 that Lee Dongjin (Yongsan-myeon, Jangheung-gun) and Choi Kyungseon (Gwangyang-eup, Gwangyang-si) have been selected as recipients of the 2025 'New Young Farmer Award' at the main auditorium of the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation headquarters.

The 'New Young Farmer Award' was established by the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation in 2017 to foster outstanding young farmers who will lead the future of agriculture and rural communities. Each year, about 20 individuals are selected and awarded nationwide. Currently, there are 161 awardees across the country, including 14 in Jeonnam, who are actively working as elite next-generation leaders in agriculture and rural development.

Lee Dongjin (age 37, Geumgok Farming Association Corporation) began farming in Yongsan-myeon, Jangheung-gun in 2012, focusing initially on rice cultivation. He has since diversified his farming activities to include livestock (Korean beef cattle), forage crops, and legumes (soybeans). In 2024, he introduced a soybean seedling transplanting method, enhancing the stability of crop growth and laying the foundation for high-quality soybean production. By adopting new technological management methods, he has taken the lead in agricultural development and has served as a mentor, sharing his successful experiences and expertise with return-to-farmers and young startup farmers.

Choi Kyungseon (age 40, Wooshin Farm) returned to farming in 2013 and, from the beginning, implemented a data-driven, standardized smart farm system for systematic management. As a result, he now operates a 4,600-square-meter greenhouse facility, generating nearly 300 million won in annual sales, establishing himself as a leading farmer.

In particular, by discovering and cultivating unique foreign chili pepper varieties, he has secured over 1,000 business partners, including World Food Mart and Asia Mart, thereby developing a niche market targeting Asian residents in Korea and contributing to local agricultural innovation. As vice president of the Gwangyang Horticultural Agricultural Cooperative Young Farmers Association, he has also faithfully served as a mentor to younger farmers.

Lee Gwangil, head of Jeonnam Nonghyup, stated, "I would like to once again congratulate these two young farmers who have been selected as the recipients of the New Young Farmer Award, which brings hope and vitality to agriculture and rural communities." He added, "I hope they will continue to grow as valuable talents for agriculture and rural areas by increasing productivity through the adoption of new farming technologies, and by leading the expansion of the cooperative movement with their youth, ambition, and passion."

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