Suwon City Agricultural Technology Center Holds 2019 Rural Extension Business Results Report Conference

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] Various projects developed this year by the Suwon City Agricultural Technology Center, including the 'Agrifood Convergence Startup Academy' and 'Food Processing Technician Training,' have received positive response from farmers.

The Suwon City Agricultural Technology Center held the '2019 Rural Extension Business Results Report Conference' on the 20th at the center's main auditorium, announcing the achievements of major projects undertaken this year.

The center operated the 'Food Processing Technician Certification Acquisition Course' as a new project this year, producing 18 successful candidates. The food processing technician course is a program to strengthen farmers' food processing capabilities. Participants received education on food processing and machinery theory as well as hands-on training in processed meat manufacturing.

The center also operated the 'Agrifood Convergence Startup Academy' program and consulting services, which garnered positive response. The Agrifood Convergence Startup Academy is a program that discovers and supports commercialization of diverse agricultural resources and materials in the region.

Through the startup academy, the 'Sumggoon Cooperative' took its first steps. Sumggoon Cooperative is a small-scale agrifood startup cooperative created by five course participants. The cooperative is proceeding with necessary preparations including renting a shared startup space and applying for manufacturing and processing business licenses for direct sales.

Additionally, the center implemented various projects including citizen farm operations, nationwide traditional craft competitions, and building rooftop garden programs.

The conference proceeded with ▲Rural Extension Business Results Report ▲Presentations of Excellent Cases by Project Operators ▲Education on Pesticide Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) Management System.

In the excellent cases presentation, participants shared job creation cases utilizing urban agriculture managers and demonstration projects for improved vegetable cultivation environments in high-temperature seasons. Education on the Pesticide Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) Management System to promote proper pesticide use was also conducted.

Choi Gwang-gyun, director of the Suwon City Agricultural Technology Center, said, "Through this results report conference, we gathered opinions from farmers" and added, "We will reflect their suggestions in our projects to further revitalize rural extension services."