CRI

 [ABSTRACT]

This study aims to examine the current status, characteristics, and institutional supplements of social farming, focusing on the case of Chungbuk Province, and suggests ways to revitalize it.

Social farming leverages the multifunctionality of agriculture to promote social inclusion and provide services such as care, education, and employment in rural areas.

The objectives, nature, program content, methods, and forms of social farming vary by country. In Korea, the government has been expanding the designation of social farms since 2018. However, challenges include a lack of legislation, limited financial support, and a shortage of experts and programs.

Successful examples from other regions in Korea include Yeomin Dongrak in Yeonggwang, Happiness Farm in Hongseong, and Purme Social Farm in Yeoju. These farms provided social services without government subsidies for social farming and benefit from a strong physical base and local cooperation.

In Chungbuk Province, eight care farms practice social farming as of 2024. Based on survey results, this study highlights the problems of social farming projects in Chungbuk and suggests ways to revitalize them.

First, the goals should be clear. Social farming should aim to create sustainable, caring communities in rural areas, which are self-reliant, cooperative, and connected.

Second, there should be extensive promotion and awareness of social farming. Widespread promotion should be conducted at the municipal or provincial level, involving institutions, welfare organizations, and farmers' organizations.

Third, local governments must build networks to create sustainable income structures for social farms. They should facilitate linking program grants from local institutions, healthcare, and social service organizations to generate ongoing income.

For the sustainability of social farms, the government must establish a financial system based on institutionalization or partnerships with external organizations that can match social benefits. Social farming can only be revitalized and financially sustainable if linked to other sectors.

A notable transitional model in Chungbuk Province is where the local government in Jincheon outsources services to private social cooperatives and supports labor and utility costs in addition to government subsidies.

Keywords: social farming, social inclusion, social services, rural areas, community