The South Korean government has introduced the ‘Agriculture and Rural AI Transformation (AX) Strategy’ to revolutionize the agricultural sector and rural communities. This policy aims to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) from production to distribution and everyday rural life, enhancing competitiveness and quality of life. The strategy was developed collaboratively by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and other agencies, and announced at the 5th Science and Technology Ministers’ Meeting on June 11, 2024. Unlike previous smart farming policies focused solely on production, this initiative broadens its scope to include distribution, consumption, and rural living.
The AX Strategy targets all farmers and rural residents, ensuring equitable access to AI technologies. Support will be expanded for AI solutions and infrastructure, especially in major open-field cultivation areas. New models such as affordable smart farms for small farmers and AI-driven agricultural services like ‘AI Isaki’ are being developed. The government plans to establish AI-Farms through the National Agricultural AX Platform, automate farming processes with intelligent machinery and drones, and create specialized foundation models for key crops. Rural residents will benefit from AI-powered services in transportation, environment, tourism, and entrepreneurship.
Implementation of the AX Strategy is structured around four main areas: agricultural productivity innovation, advanced food distribution, improved rural quality of life, and ecosystem development. Thirteen core tasks are prioritized, including expanding AI in smart agricultural production, upgrading logistics chains, and launching consumer information apps. By 2030, over 100 ‘Smart Rural Living Zones’ will be established, and 3,000 agri-food startups will be nurtured. Key milestones include the launch of a consumer app in late 2024, the deployment of an agricultural satellite in 2026, and broader AI adoption in livestock grading by 2030.
Frequently asked questions include: What is the main goal of the AX Strategy? The goal is to make farming easier, stabilize supply, and improve rural convenience through AI. Who will benefit from these changes? All farmers, rural residents, and agri-food startups are targeted for support and access to AI technologies. How will AI be used in distribution? AI will optimize logistics, grading, and supply prediction, with pilot projects for online trading chains and consumer apps. What are the government’s plans for research and data? Increased R&D investment and a data value assessment system will support innovation and data-driven services.
South Korea’s AX Strategy is a forward-thinking policy that broadens the application of AI from agricultural production to distribution and rural living. By setting clear milestones for 2026 and 2030, the government demonstrates a commitment to both immediate and long-term transformation. The focus on inclusivity—ensuring all farmers and rural residents benefit—marks a departure from previous, more limited smart farming initiatives. The planned expansion of R&D, data infrastructure, and startup support is likely to accelerate innovation and enhance the sector’s competitiveness.