48 women farmers complete leadership academy covering AI, farm management

Forty-eight women farmers from across the country have completed a seven-month program in farm management and leadership, marking a new chapter in their roles as agricultural leaders in their communities.

The Korea Life Science Technology Institute and Nonghyup University held the graduation ceremony for the second cohort of the 2026 Korea Women Farmers Leadership Academy on Thursday at Dasan Hall on the Nonghyup University campus.

The 48 participants completed seven monthly sessions held from April through October and received certificates of completion issued jointly by Nonghyup University and the Korea Life Science Technology Institute.

The curriculum focused on building practical skills applicable to farming operations and strengthening community leadership. Topics ranged from farm management expertise for the AI era to online marketing techniques, humanities lectures and women's leadership.

The importance of capabilities spanning not just production but also retail, sales and overall business management is growing in the agricultural sector. The ability to use online sales channels and understand digital technology is increasingly seen as essential for farmers looking to open their own markets and communicate directly with consumers. The academy aimed to develop women farmers equipped to meet these changes.

The ceremony was attended by Nonghyup University President Song Du-han, Korea Life Science Technology Institute Chairman Kim Byeong-won, Sanmaek Group Chairman Park Gwang-chae, Nonghyup Central Education Institute Director Lee Sang-hun, Seochang Nonghyup Cooperative Head Kim Myeong-yeol and first-cohort alumni association President Yoo Ok-i.

The event opened with a video highlighting participants' activities over the seven months, followed by the presentation of certificates and an awards ceremony.

In his commemorative address, Chairman Kim said the graduation was "not an end but a new beginning," urging participants to "let the bonds formed here through learning and sharing become a source of strength for one another, and grow into steadfast leaders who drive change in our agriculture and rural communities."

President Song said, "The time and passion you have poured in over these seven months will translate into even greater change in your regions and farming communities," adding that Nonghyup University would remain "a solid place of learning where women agricultural leaders can continue to grow."

Shin Hyang-yeop, the second cohort's student council president, spoke on behalf of the graduates, saying, "The time we spent learning and sharing together has become an asset nothing can replace," and pledging to "return to our communities and become leaders who put what we learned here into practice."

At the awards ceremony that followed, graduates received a range of honors including the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Award. Shin received the minister's award, while Cha Hae-ri and Jo Suk-hwi received the Nonghyup Central Council Chairman's Award.

Hong Sun-seon and Yang So-young received the Nonghyup University President's Award, while Kang Seon-ju and Yang Sun-hui received the Korea Life Science Technology Institute Chairman's Award. Six graduates — Cha Hae-ri, Shin Hyang-yeop, Im Yeong-seon, Shin Sun-ja, Yang Sun-hui and Yang So-young — received merit awards.

The Korea Women Farmers Leadership Academy launched last year, producing 30 graduates in its first cohort. With 48 completing the program this year, the total number of graduates over two years stands at 78.

Nonghyup University and the Korea Life Science Technology Institute said they intend to continue supporting women farmers in taking on more active roles in local agriculture and rural communities through the program.