Starting next month, it will be possible to install accommodations or resting places for farmers and workers in agricultural promotion areas.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said on the 28th that it is expanding the range of facilities allowed in agricultural promotion areas through an amendment to the Agricultural Land Act enforcement decree, which will take effect on June 2.
With this amendment, worker accommodation can be installed in sites where agricultural and fishery product processing and handling facilities or rural distribution facilities are located. In addition, to protect farmers exposed to heat waves or cold waves during farming, the installation of heat wave and cold wave resting places will be allowed within agricultural promotion areas.
Restrictions on the area for facility installation have also been eased. The area standard for agricultural and fishery product processing and handling facilities has been expanded from less than 1.5 hectares to less than 3 hectares, and for rural experience and leisure villages from less than 1 hectare to less than 2 hectares, while the upper limit for tourist farms has increased from less than 2 hectares to less than 3 hectares.
The scope of delegation for agricultural land conversion permits has newly included 'rural specialized zones.' Consequently, when pursuing development projects in these areas, the permitting authority will be transferred to local governments, which is expected to reduce the processing time for civil complaints and improve administrative convenience. Rural specialized zones are designated areas for utilizing and restoring the functions of rural spaces, and this measure aims to encourage development tailored to local characteristics.
In addition, the eligibility requirements for the implementers of land use promotion projects have been relaxed. The minimum number of members required for agricultural organizations to participate in the project has been reduced from 10 to 5, and agricultural corporations can now pursue projects independently.
Yoon Won-seop, director of agricultural policy at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, noted, 'This amendment to the enforcement decree is a measure intended to enhance the rationality and productivity of land use and contribute to improving the quality of life for farmers and revitalizing local communities.' He added, 'We will continue to gather diverse opinions from the public and experts to pursue improvements in the system.'