Nonsan City is stepping up its response to recent budgetary and legal challenges by focusing on the establishment of smart livestock facilities and ensuring compliance with agricultural product regulations. Mayor Baek Seong-hyun has been proactive, calling for provincial financial support to alleviate the struggles faced by local farmers.
On November 27, during the seventh Chungnam local government meeting held at the Chungnam Provincial Office, Mayor Baek highlighted the difficulties farmers experience due to the construction of new livestock facilities over the past two years. He stated, "Farmers have had difficulty maintaining stable living conditions during the construction period," emphasizing the need for support from Chungnam Province.
Mayor Baek has formally requested 6 billion won (approximately $5 million) from the province to secure new project funding. Since January 2022, the city has been actively working on the Smart Livestock Development Project, which aims to tackle odor problems from the long-established Gongseok Livestock Complex, which has faced complaints for about 30 years.
The project has made strides, securing 3.6 billion won (around $3 million) from the national government after being selected as the sole winner of the first round of the project’s funding application last year. This is notable as it marks the first time such improvements have been recognized at the national level, setting Nonsan as the groundwork for successful transformation.
Baek pointed out the various logistical challenges of demolishing the existing livestock facilities, noting, "We have to address the reality of where residents will stay and the costs associated with tearing down buildings." He stressed the necessity for local government support for successful project completion.
The Smart Livestock Development Project will undergo comprehensive design work starting this year, with plans for competing for funding from two additional project rounds by May and October 2023. If all goes well, the demolition of the old facilities could commence by March 2024, with completion planned for December 2027.
According to Lee Heung-bok, head of livestock management, this ambitious smart livestock facility will contribute to creating carbon-neutral, environmentally friendly farming operations, transitioning from the traditional practices prevalent for decades.
Despite the progress, significant financial hurdles remain. Lee explained, "The total budget required for the infrastructure and smart farming systems, including wastewater treatment, is 687 billion won ($537 million). Currently, we have only secured 3.6 billion won (around $2.7 million) from the national budget." Both Mayor Baek and Lee have made several visits to the National Assembly and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to secure more funding necessary to push the project forward.
Notably, the Gongseok Livestock Complex consists of 13 buildings spanning 7.5 hectares, currently housing 26,000 pigs. The long-standing complaints about barn odors only heighten the urgency for modern solutions.
Lee remarked, "Even with the smart livestock project, funding remains focused on loans, which complicate our funding process for buildings and site improvements." Without financial backing for infrastructure, the initiative’s goals might be challenging to achieve. Nonetheless, the municipal government expects this project to be exemplary for future developments.
Governor Kim Tae-heum responded positively to Mayor Baek's request for support, stating, "We will work on these difficult issues together through the Chungnam-type livestock development fund." Baek reinforced the idea, asserting, "Smart livestock initiatives, as well as the city's industrial advancement, cannot succeed without the central government's proactive administration."
Complementing the budgetary discussions, Nonsan City is launching heightened inspections on the hygiene management and labeling of agricultural products just before the upcoming Lunar New Year festivities. From January 6 to January 24, authorities will conduct thorough inspections across production, processing, and distribution venues, including supermarkets.
The inspections will cover multiple aspects, including verifying the accurate labeling of product origins and examining hygiene standards for raw materials. A city representative said, "We will conduct the inspections rigorously to help citizens enjoy safe meals during the holiday."
Through these initiatives, Mayor Baek Seong-hyun and the authorities of Nonsan City aim not only to improve agricultural practices but also to assure the public of food safety during celebrations. The proactive approach may well set the stage for Nonsan's agricultural development and public health standards going forward.