Yeongcheon Young Farmer's 'Smart' Challenge... Achieves First Tomato Export to Hong Kong

Achievement After Just One Year at the Rental Smart Farm
Accelerating Expansion Into Southeast Asian Markets

Tomatoes cultivated by a young farmer in Yeongcheon City using smart farm technology have been exported to Hong Kong, showcasing the excellence of local agricultural products to the world.

On May 13, Yeongcheon City announced that it held a "First Tomato Export Shipment Ceremony" for Jeongyeong Co., Ltd. at the rental smart farm located in Guam-ri, Kumho-eup.

About 10 officials, including representatives from Korea Tomato Export Co., Ltd., an integrated agri-food export organization, and Bunong Seed Company, attended the event to celebrate the young farmer's first overseas expansion.

This export was made possible through collaboration with Korea Tomato Export Co., Ltd.

The initial shipment bound for Hong Kong consisted of one pallet (384kg) of cherry tomatoes.

Additional exports are planned to take place four times in total by the end of June.

Starting with Hong Kong, they plan to expand distribution channels throughout Southeast Asia, including Singapore and Malaysia.

The driving force behind this achievement is Jang Mi-ae, CEO of Jeongyeong Co., Ltd., a young farmer who returned to the countryside with a unique background.

After gaining practical work experience for 10 years at Daesang Corporation and earning a master's degree in agricultural economics in China, she has consistently focused on the future value of agriculture.

Since June last year, she has been steadily generating sales by producing and selling tomatoes year-round at a rental smart farm facility of approximately 5,950 square meters, and is contributing to the development of local agriculture with a goal of establishing an export-oriented agricultural business.

A city official stated, "This initial export to Hong Kong is a meaningful achievement, made possible by the combination of the young farmer's ambition and smart farm technology," adding, "We will continue to support the development of overseas markets, provide cultivation technology support, and expand overseas marketing to ensure stable export growth of local agricultural products, including tomatoes."