Koo Yun-cheol: "2.9 Trillion Won to Launch Public–Private AI Agriculture Company This Year"

According to Financial News, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economy Koo Yun-cheol said on the 4th, "The government and the private sector will jointly invest more than 290 billion won to establish an agricultural company that incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) within this year."
Koo Yun-cheol, who chaired a joint session of the Council of Economic Ministers and the Growth Strategy Task Force at Government Complex Seoul that day, stated, "We will overhaul our systems so that AI and technological innovation can take root in every corner of our economy and society."
He remarked, "The new continent called AI is not a space reserved for a handful of explorers. It will become the place where all of us must live in the future," adding, "Everyone in this country should be able to take part in exploring this new continent." He went on to stress, "The government will provide full support so that our companies can secure leadership in advanced industries such as semiconductors and AI."
On this day, Koo Yun-cheol and the heads of relevant ministries discussed plans to promote an AI transformation (AX) platform in the agricultural sector and measures to revitalize the AI industry through public procurement.
The government plans to introduce AI into agriculture by building an AI transformation (AX) platform. The goal is to address structural challenges in Korean agriculture, including the climate crisis and labor shortages.
To this end, the government and the private sector will invest more than 290 billion won within this year to establish an agricultural corporation. Private investors will hold at least 51% of the company, while the government will contribute up to 140 billion won.
The company plans to develop AI solutions for farming and livestock that automatically manage optimal growing conditions and diagnose pests and diseases, and then provide these solutions to farms. Through this, the government aims to help elderly farmers and beginners alike operate smart farms that make professional use of AI and robots.
Koo Yun-cheol added, "Furthermore, we will develop next-generation smart greenhouses and livestock facilities so that Korea's smart farm model can take the lead in global markets and be exported overseas."
Public purchases of AI products will also be significantly expanded. The government will ease the requirements for AI products to enter the public procurement market and give them preferential treatment, such as extra points, during bidding and contracting.
Koo Yun-cheol said, "We will create an 'AI-only track' for evaluating innovative products in public tenders," and added, "This will allow AI products to be introduced into the public sector quickly and easily."
In addition, AI will be fully introduced into public procurement administration itself. Product analysis and evaluation, calculation of public construction costs, and adjustment of stockpiled goods will all be modernized with systems suited to the AI era.
The Korean Industrial Standards (KS) certification system will also undergo its first major overhaul in 60 years. The government will diversify review methods so that not only manufacturers but also advanced technology developers and designers can obtain KS certification.
For example, KS certification, which currently requires on-site factory inspections, will in some cases be granted based solely on product inspections, even without a factory.
The government also plans to strengthen inspections and enforcement at the customs clearance stage to prevent illegal products that misuse the KS mark from being imported and distributed.
skjung@fnnews.com Jung Sang-geun Reporter