South Korean Agricultural Cooperative Showcases Model to Foreign Embassies

NongHyup, South Korea's influential agricultural cooperative, recently hosted representatives from 20 foreign embassies in Seoul to introduce its distinctive "Korean-style NongHyup model." The initiative aimed to promote the cooperative's multifaceted role in agriculture, finance, and rural welfare on the international stage and to strengthen ties with key partner nations.

The event, which marked the return of NongHyup's embassy invitation program after a three-year hiatus, included ambassadors and staff from countries such as Italy, Costa Rica, Kenya, Peru, and Thailand. NongHyup Chairman Kang Ho-dong met with the delegates, emphasizing the cooperative's commitment to improving the quality of life for farmers and fostering the sustainable development of rural communities.

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This program is an opportunity to expand exchanges with embassies of key partner countries and to inform the international community about the diverse roles and values that Korean NongHyup plays for farmers and local communities.

NongHyup presented its comprehensive support system, which encompasses the supply of farming materials, agricultural product distribution and sales, financial services, and rural welfare initiatives. The cooperative highlighted its efforts to alleviate farmers' financial burdens, particularly through subsidies for tax-exempt fuel amid high oil prices and contributions to covering increased costs for inorganic fertilizers.

Following discussions at NongHyup's headquarters, attendees toured economic facilities, including a rice processing center and a distribution center, to observe the agricultural product distribution and sales structure. The program also included a visit to the DMZ Ecological and Peace Park, offering insights into the ecological and peace-building values of the border region and its agricultural environment. NongHyup also shared its "Nongshim Cheonsim" campaign, which promotes the public value of agriculture and rural areas, with international cooperative organizations.

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We will continue to expand international exchange activities to promote the excellence of Korean agriculture and rural areas and the value of cooperatives to the world.