Nonghyup Bank Receives MAFRA Ministerial Commendation for Contributions to Agri-Food Venture Capital

[Financial News] Nonghyup Bank has been recognized for contributing to the supply of venture capital to the agri-food sector and expanding its investment ecosystem. The bank currently manages eight funds totaling KRW 344.1 billion and continues to expand investment in the sector.
Nonghyup Bank announced on the 9th that it had received a ministerial commendation from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs at the 2026 Agri-Food Finance and Investment Roadshow hosted by MAFRA.
The commendation recognized the bank’s contribution to building the agri-food investment ecosystem by supplying private venture capital to the sector and broadening its investment base through the operation of sub-funds of the Korea Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food Fund of Funds.
Nonghyup Bank has participated as a general partner (GP) in agri-food funds—an uncommon role among banks—and has directly established and managed six sub-funds of the Korea Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food Fund of Funds. The bank has been credited with supporting venture and startup financing and expanding the foundation for growth in the agri-food industry by making early investments in emerging sectors such as smart farming and food tech.
Since establishing its first agri-food fund in 2016, Nonghyup Bank has steadily expanded the scale of its operations. As the largest fund manager in Korea specializing in the agri-food sector, it currently manages eight funds in total.
The bank has also established a follow-up support system to help companies grow after investment. This year, it held a K-Food Venture Capital Investment Promotion Strategy Meeting chaired by the bank president and organically linked investment, financial and nonfinancial support functions that had previously been operated separately by different departments. Through Agri & Food Tech Start-up Rising Expo 2026 (AFPRO 2026), a specialized exhibition for agri-food startups, the bank is providing comprehensive support ranging from identifying promising companies to attracting investment and developing sales channels.
Kang Tae-young, president of Nonghyup Bank, said, "In agri-food investment, it is important to build a foundation for growth by working alongside the field over a long period of time, rather than focusing on short-term results." He added, "As a bank specializing in agricultural finance, we will continue expanding the supply of venture capital to the agri-food sector and become a responsible partner that helps build the future competitiveness of the agri-food industry, going beyond finance."

[email protected] Seo Ji-yoon Reporter