Sustainable horticulture in Korea

Abstract

Chemical farming has damaged the environment and endangered the health of farmers and consumers, which led groups of people to assert the dissemination and practice of sustainable agriculture as an alternative farming. The government also recognized the impending crisis by chemical farming, and set up the Organic Farming Task Force in the Department of Agriculture and Forestry (DAF) in order to develop the plans for organic farming as a subject of agricultural policy. In 1994, Sustainable Agriculture Division was established in DAF and in 1995, governmental supports for farmers practicing sustainable agriculture started. It is mentionable that 'Sustainable Agriculture Promotion Act' has been approved by the Congress on Nov 18, 1997, which will contribute to sustainable agriculture by providing lawful protection and support. Meanwhile, NGOs like Korean Organic Farming Association, Korean Natural Farming Association and so on have been founded for the dissemination and development of sustainable agriculture and Korean Society of Organic Agriculture was established in 1991, also contributing to the academic progress of organic farming. In the 1990's, a number of research projects have been launched by the colleges and governmental research institutes, and lots of symposia and seminars on sustainable agriculture were held. The government is also providing farmers with workshops and loans. Thereafter, farmers and areas of sustainable horticulture have been increased steadily, and now 3,856 farms from 4,039 ha of areas are participating in sustainable horticulture as of 1996.