CRI

 [ABSTRACT]

This study aims to propose strategies for introducing and promoting smart farming technologies based on Fourth Industrial Revolution advancements (e.g., IoT, AI) in the three southern counties of Chungbuk (Boeun, Okcheon, Yeongdong) to address the agricultural sustainability challenges posed by climate change and rural aging.

By pursuing this initiative, the study seeks to improve agricultural productivity, enhance farmers' quality of life, and develop a sustainable agricultural model that contributes to revitalizing the local economy.

A Smart farm is an intelligent system that automates the entire agricultural production process by diagnosing and controlling the growth of crops and the environment. It includes facility smart farms, outdoor smart farms, vertical farms, and smart livestock farms.

A smart farm can be considered effective in improving productivity and quality, reducing labor, and efficiently operating environmentally friendly agriculture.

The three southern counties of Chungbuk, which are looking to introduce smart farms, face challenges such as a declining agricultural population, aging farmers, and an agricultural structure focused on orchard crops and open-field vegetables. Therefore, smart farms tailored to this type of agriculture are needed.

Most farmers are aware of smart farms but lack specific knowledge about them, highlighting the need for further promotion. Information about smart farms is most frequently obtained through news (35.6%), indicating that news channels should be utilized for promotion and knowledge dissemination. Additionally, the younger the age group, the more effective the use of the internet becomes.

Approximately one-third of respondents expressed a willingness to transition to smart farming, which is considered a relatively high proportion. Notably, younger age groups showed a higher intention to adopt smart farming. Currently, many local governments are primarily promoting large-scale rental smart farms as a key initiative, leasing them to young farmers. However, policies should also be developed to support farmers under the age of 50 who are already engaged in agriculture in transitioning to smart farming.

The primary reason for wanting to transition is the "expectation of increased agricultural productivity," while the main reason for reluctance to transition is "lack of investment funds." Therefore, reducing the burden of investment costs is the most critical issue to address in promoting the adoption of smart farms.

Based on the agricultural status of the Southern Three Counties and the survey analysis results, the considerations for promoting the adoption of smart farms can be divided into three key areas: Farmers capable of operating smart farms, Financial resources for transitioning to smart farms, and Smart farm facilities and equipment needed for implementation.

The proposed measures to promote smart farm adoption include: Expanding around specialized crops in the Southern Three Counties, Gradual dissemination of smart farms, Utilizing big data and fostering experts, Providing information and promoting smart farms, and Developing upstream and downstream industries related to smart farms.

Specific strategies include: Utilizing smart farm-related projects from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs, Collaborating with universities to provide smart farm education for farmers, Establishing the Smart Agriculture Research Association in the Southern Three Counties, and Utilizing smart farm-produced agricultural products for group catering services.