From Morocco to the Farm: One Man’s Journey to Sustainable Agriculture
Table of Contents
- From Morocco to the Farm: One Man’s Journey to Sustainable Agriculture
- A Return to Roots
- Embracing Possibility and Support
- Asparagus and Oats: A Dual-Crop Strategy
- Scaling Up: Wheat,Soybeans,and Mechanization
- Innovative Asparagus Cultivation: A Pot-Based Approach
- Future Vision: A Farm Franchise Model
- The Rise of Return Farming in South Korea
- Frequently Asked Questions About Asparagus Farming
Jeongeup, South Korea – A decade spent navigating the business landscape of Morocco unexpectedly led woo Sung-cheol to a new calling: agriculture. Returning to South Korea amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Woo embraced farming, quickly establishing himself as an innovator in asparagus and grain production.
A Return to Roots
Woo, age 34 and representative of Summer Light, initially worked in travel and hospitality, coordinating logistics for film and television productions in Morocco. After ten years abroad, he returned to Korea in 2020, initially seeking a peaceful rural lifestyle. He discovered Jeongeup, a region with affordable farmland, and began exploring the possibilities of a career change.
“I had been searching for a place to settle in Jeongeup even during my travels,” Woo explained. “I found a property with farmland that felt like the perfect fit.”
Embracing Possibility and Support
Woo’s entry into agriculture was serendipitous, coinciding with the availability of a young farmers’ settlement support project. This initiative provided crucial financial assistance and resources, enabling him to launch his farming venture. “The project offered three years of living expenses and access to low-interest loans for aspiring agricultural managers,” Woo stated. “It was the catalyst I needed to fully commit.”
He was selected for a youth startup farming program in 2021 and further supported through a youth hope initiative.
Asparagus and Oats: A Dual-Crop Strategy
Driven by a personal fondness for asparagus, cultivated during his time in Morocco, Woo decided to focus on its production. Recognizing the three-year maturation period for asparagus, he strategically introduced oats as an interim crop to generate immediate income.
“Asparagus is a vegetable I especially enjoy, and I noticed it commands a high price in Korea,” Woo said. “I believed producing high-quality asparagus could be profitable.”
A carefully crafted soil blend of cocopeat, perlite, masato, and sculpture is used to optimize asparagus growth.
In October 2021, Woo leased 6,600 square meters (approximately 2 acres) to cultivate oats, harvesting the crop in June 2022. This initial success validated his approach and provided valuable experience in direct marketing to consumers.
Scaling Up: Wheat,Soybeans,and Mechanization
by 2022,woo expanded his cultivation area to 2,700 square meters (approximately 0.67 acres), diversifying into wheat and soybean production. This expansion necessitated a shift towards mechanized farming practices.”As production increased, the logistical challenges of harvesting and distribution became apparent,” Woo explained.”I needed to find efficient ways to manage the larger scale.”
Currently, Woo farms 66,000 square meters (approximately 16.3 acres) of wheat and soybeans, utilizing a November sowing and June harvest cycle. He emphasizes the importance of mechanization for efficiency, employing automated sowing, monitoring, and harvesting techniques.
Pro Tip: Investing in appropriate machinery can considerably reduce labor costs and improve crop yields.
Innovative Asparagus Cultivation: A Pot-Based Approach
Woo is also pioneering a unique method of asparagus cultivation: growing the plants in pots. This deviates from conventional field-based methods and offers several advantages.
An automated control system manages environmental factors within the asparagus smart farm.
“Asparagus can thrive for over a decade, so soil health is paramount,” Woo noted. “We’ve developed a specialized soil mix to ensure optimal growth and nutrient availability.” The pot-based system also reduces physical strain, allowing for easier agricultural work at a more cozy height.
“I discovered this technique while researching blueberry farming abroad,” Woo revealed. “I adapted a flowerpot cultivation method I observed and applied it to asparagus, incorporating a 50-day dormancy period for stem development.”
Did You No? The dormancy period, or “stem” development, is crucial for asparagus plants to accumulate nutrients and ensure future harvests.
Future Vision: A Farm Franchise Model
Woo currently employs eco-amiable cultivation practices, utilizing organic fertilizers and avoiding pesticides. His asparagus is sold through local food direct stores, post office shopping malls, and online platforms like Coupang.He is confident in the quality of his produce and its market appeal.
Looking ahead, Woo envisions establishing a farm franchise model, expanding production capacity and taking control of the distribution process. “To create a sustainable management structure, we need to scale up farming operations and handle distribution directly,” he explained. “My goal is to launch a farm franchise within the next three years, but it will require significant planning.”
| Year | Key Milestone | Area Under Cultivation |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Return to South korea, initial exploration of farming | N/A |
| 2021 | Selected for youth startup farming program | 6,600 m² (Oats) |
| 2022 | Expansion to wheat and soybeans | 2,700 m² (Wheat & Soybeans) |
| 2024 | Current scale of operations | 66,000 m² (wheat & Soybeans) |
By Lee So-hyung | Photo by Hyunjin
The Rise of Return Farming in South Korea
Woo Sung-cheol’s story is part of a growing trend in South Korea: “return farming,” where individuals with prior professional experience transition to agricultural careers. This phenomenon is driven by factors such as a desire for a simpler lifestyle, concerns about food security, and government support programs aimed at revitalizing rural communities. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the number of return farmers has increased by 15% in the last five years. This influx of skilled professionals is bringing innovation and entrepreneurship to the agricultural sector, contributing to its modernization and sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Asparagus Farming
- What is the ideal soil composition for growing asparagus? A well-draining soil rich in organic matter is crucial. A mix of cocopeat, perlite, masato, and sculpture, as used by Woo Sung-cheol, can provide optimal conditions.
- How long dose it take for asparagus to mature and produce a harvest? Asparagus typically requires three years to establish before yielding a ample harvest.
- What is the purpose of the dormancy period (“stem”) in asparagus cultivation? The dormancy period allows the plant to accumulate nutrients in its stems, ensuring a healthy and productive harvest in subsequent seasons.
- What are the benefits of growing asparagus in pots? Pot cultivation reduces physical strain, simplifies soil management, and allows for greater control over growing conditions.
- What support is available for young farmers in South Korea? The government offers various programs, including financial assistance, low-interest loans, and training opportunities, to encourage young people to enter the agricultural sector.
What challenges do you think return farmers face when transitioning to agriculture? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And if you found this story inspiring, please share it with your network.
