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04. Automation, Energy Saving, and Safety of Agricultural Operation
Agricultural sustainability and agro-food supply systems are threatened by the lack of manpower due to ageing workforce in agriculture and the disinterest in farming by the young generation. In addition, the agriculture industry of Korea is confronting an infinite competition brought about by Fair Trade Agreement (FTA) and Doha Development Agenda (DDA) negotiations as well as the open market for agricultural imports. However, much attention has been given only to on-farm food safety and quality assurance by domestic consumers.
To cope with these difficulties, technology that will improve agricultural productivity and quality must be a priority. Agenda 4, thus, puts emphasis on developing highly efficient, pleasant, environment-friendly, and high-value agriculture products. This agenda aims at securing novel technologies that will help boost agricultural growth agriculture. This includes development of automated machinery and factory systems for agricultural production, and the development of ITC and convergence technology. Safe and pleasant work environment is necessary to create a competitive agriculture.
Agenda 4 has four programs such as
(1) automation and robotization of agriculture/development of customized agricultural machinery,
(2) energy saving and modernization of agricultural facilities,
(3) agro-food distribution chain and processing system, and
(4) safety of agricultural resources and operation. Major participating organization in Agenda 4 includes the Department of Agricultural Engineering of the National Academy of Agricultural Science.
Expected in this program is the development of novel technologies such as weed-cutting robots and high-speed rice transplanters. Furthermore, it is expected to achieve highly efficient and pleasant work environment in agriculture, which brings about higher quality within the agricultural population and the rise of domestic competition. The practical applications of a vertical plant factory and the rapid detection system for food-borne pathogens will guarantee safe and stable agricultural products. This will contribute to preventing agriculture-related accidents and minimize the tremendous socioeconomic losses and human casualties. This agenda will result in improved farming conditions, increased agricultural productivity, and more attractive and competitive agricultural industry.
