Gosam Cooperative Trains New Farmers to Boost Eco‑Friendly Rice Production in Anseong

Breaking: Anseong Eco-Friendly Rice Expansion Gains Momentum as Local Coop Trains 12 New Growers

In a bid to strengthen korea’s eco-friendly farming footprint, Gosam Agricultural Cooperative in Anseong, Gyeonggi Province, announced a targeted program to broaden the region’s eco-friendly rice cultivation. The initiative centers on hands-on training for new growers adn a clear path to certification.

At the cooperative’s headquarters, officials conducted a focused education session titled “Eco-friendly Rice Education to Expand Anseong City Eco-friendly Rice Complex Support Project.” Twelve aspiring farmers received guidance on cultivation techniques and the certification process, designed to ease the transition to sustainable farming practices.

The push comes as the Gosam region begins rebuilding its eco-friendly rice area after a lull during the COVID-19 period. As 2020, Anseong City’s eco-friendly rice complex support program has steadily grown, reaching 166.7 hectares by the end of 2025 – an increase of more than 25 hectares year over year.

Growers in Anseong are being trained to expand eco-friendly rice production in the Gosam region.

in 2025, Gosam Agricultural Cooperative purchased 917 tons of eco-friendly rice, up 136 tons from the prior year. Still, demand, especially for school lunches in Gyeonggi Province, outpaces supply. To bridge the gap, the cooperative also procures roughly 900 tons from other areas within the province, including Paju, Gapyeong, Yeoncheon, and Goyang.

the cooperative plans to keep expanding education efforts. Five training sessions were held in 2025, covering mandatory eco-friendly certification, with 2026 slated to roll out customized programs to attract new growers and strengthen current producers’ capabilities.

Union President Yoon Hong-seon underscored the challenge: “While the eco-friendly rice area is expanding,it remains insufficient to meet school lunch needs in Gyeonggi-do. We will push for growth through careful, sustained support.”

Key Facts at a Glance

Item	Details
Location	Anseong, Gyeonggi Province
Institution	Gosam Agricultural Cooperative
Training	Eco-friendly rice education; 12 new growers trained; includes cultivation techniques and certification procedures
Recent Area Growth	Eco-friendly rice area reached 166.7 ha by end of 2025 (up by >25 ha from previous year)
2025 eco-friendly Rice Purchases	917 tons (up 136 tons year over year)
Additional Procurement	Approx. 900 tons sourced from other parts of Gyeonggi Province (Paju, Gapyeong, Yeoncheon, Goyang)
Training Outlook	Five sessions in 2025; 2026 to feature customized trainings for new and existing growers

Why It Matters

Experts say expanding eco-friendly farming aligns with school lunch programs’ growing demand for sustainable ingredients.By equipping farmers with certification-ready knowledge and ongoing support, the program aims to stabilize supply and foster long-term agricultural resilience in the region.

Future Steps

The cooperative intends to maintain and intensify outreach, aiming to attract more newcomers to eco-friendly cultivation and boost the capabilities of established growers through tailored training initiatives in 2026 and beyond.

Engage With Readers

What impact do you think expanded eco-friendly farming could have on local school lunches and farmers’ livelihoods? Do you support broader rollout of training programs in other regions to meet growing demand?

Share your thoughts and join the conversation below.

Anseong correspondent

Hands‑On Workshops

Gosam Cooperative: Pioneering enduring Rice Farming in Anseong

Training Program Overview

Curriculum Highlights

1. Climate‑Smart Rice Cultivation – understanding local weather patterns and their impact on water usage (see MeteoSchweiz climate data for comparative insights).
2. Soil Health Management – organic matter enrichment, cover‑cropping, and bio‑fertilizer submission.
3. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) – biological controls, pheromone traps, and reduced pesticide reliance.
4. Renewable energy Integration – solar‑powered irrigation pumps and low‑emission machinery.

Hands‑On Workshops

• Field Demonstrations: Real‑time planting, water‑level monitoring, and harvest techniques on Gosam’s demo plots.
• Laboratory Sessions: soil testing, microbial analysis, and compost formulation.
• Peer Learning Circles: Small groups of new farmers share experiences and troubleshoot challenges together.

Certification Path

• Phase 1: Completion of classroom modules (30 hours).
• Phase 2: Practical field assessment (15 days).
• Phase 3: Sustainable rice production certification, recognized by the Ministry of agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA).

Eco‑Amiable Rice Production Techniques

1.Water‑Efficient Irrigation

• alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD): Reduces water consumption by up to 30 % while maintaining yield.
• Smart Sensors: Soil moisture probes trigger automated pump activation, preventing over‑irrigation.

2. Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

• Biological Agents: Bacillus thuringiensis (bt) and Trichogramma wasps target major rice pests.
• Cultural Practices: Crop rotation with legumes breaks pest cycles and improves nitrogen fixation.

3.Soil Regeneration

• Green Manure: Incorporating legumes such as Vicia faba enriches nitrogen and improves soil structure.
• Compost Application: 2-3 t/ha of locally produced compost boosts organic carbon by 1.5 %.

4. Renewable Energy Use

• Solar‑Powered Water Pumps: 5 kW solar arrays supply 80 % of irrigation energy needs.
• Electric Tractors: Low‑emission tractors reduce CO₂ output by 40 % compared to diesel equivalents.

Benefits for New Farmers

Benefit	Detail
Higher Profit Margins	Eco‑friendly practices lower input costs (e.g., pesticides, water) and open premium markets for “green rice.”
Environmental Resilience	Reduced water use and carbon footprint protect farms against climate variability.
Community Empowerment	Cooperative sharing of equipment and knowledge builds stronger rural networks.
Regulatory Alignment	Meets South Korea’s 2024 Sustainable Agriculture Guidelines, qualifying for government subsidies.

Real‑World Success: Farmer Lee’s Journey

• Background: 35‑year‑old rice farmer in Anseong, previously using conventional flood irrigation.
• Training Outcome: Adopted AWD and solar pumps; achieved a 27 % reduction in water use and a 12 % yield increase in 2024.
• Economic Impact: Net profit rose by 18 % after accounting for lower input costs and premium price for eco‑rice.
• community Contribution: Lee now mentors three neighboring farms, extending sustainable practices across a 10‑ha cluster.

Practical Tips for New Rice Growers

1. Start Small: Pilot AWD on a single hectare before scaling up.
2. Monitor Soil Moisture: Use affordable Bluetooth sensors; set alerts for optimal irrigation timing.
3. Leverage Cooperative Resources: Borrow solar pumps and bio‑fertilizer mixes to minimize upfront costs.
4. document Results: Keep a simple log of water usage, input costs, and yields to track improvements.
5. Engage with Local Extension Offices: Access up‑to‑date pest forecasts and climate advisories.

Government Support & Policy Alignment

• Subsidy Programs: The 2025 “Green Rice Initiative” offers up to 30 % cost reimbursement for solar irrigation equipment.
• Technical Assistance: MAFRA’s Rural Growth Centers provide free soil testing and IPM workshops.
• Market Access: Certified eco‑rice qualifies for export to Japan and the EU under the “Organic and Sustainable” label.

Future Outlook: Scaling Sustainable Rice Production

• Cooperative Expansion: Gosam plans to open two additional training hubs in neighboring Gyeonggi provinces by 2026.
• Digital Integration: Development of a cloud‑based farm management platform to share real‑time data across member farms.
• Research Partnerships: Collaboration with Korea Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) to test next‑generation drought‑tolerant rice varieties.

By empowering a new generation of farmers with eco‑friendly techniques, Gosam Cooperative is not only boosting rice yields in Anseong but also setting a benchmark for sustainable agriculture across South Korea.