MAFRA Unveils Ambitious KRW 234.8 Billion Investment for Agricultural R&D in 2026

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) announced on January 4 its plans to invest a monumental KRW 234.8 billion (approximately USD 162.2 million) in agricultural research and development (R&D) for the year 2026. This investment marks a significant 16.9% increase compared to 2025, highlighting the ministry’s commitment to transforming agriculture into a future growth sector while enhancing Korea’s competitiveness in the global arena.

Five Core Areas of Focus

The 2026 R&D program is set to concentrate on five key areas:

• Climate Change Response

  A significant KRW 73.2 billion will be allocated to developing technologies that address climate change, emerging diseases, and agricultural disasters as the sector becomes increasingly vulnerable to environmental shifts.

• Smart Agriculture

  Recognizing the importance of modernization, MAFRA will invest KRW 51 billion in intelligent smart agriculture solutions, including robotics, drones, and AI-based systems aimed at increasing efficiency and optimizing resources for precision farming.

• Biotechnology

  The biotech sector will receive KRW 33.5 billion to support advancements in green bio and life sciences, particularly focusing on bio-based materials and companion animal healthcare solutions.

• Commercialization and Workforce Development

  MAFRA plans to allocate KRW 38.2 billion to facilitate technology commercialization and workforce training, aiming to turn research outcomes into viable products while nurturing the next generation of agri-tech innovators.

• Global Competitiveness of K-Food

  Lastly, KRW 38.9 billion will be designated to bolster the global competitiveness of Korean food products by securing high-value future food ingredients and advanced food technologies.

By integrating advanced technologies with commercialization strategies and talent cultivation, MAFRA is setting the framework for sustainable growth, innovation, and resilience in Korea’s agricultural sector.

“To industrialize agriculture as a future growth industry, we plan to make strategic investments in key areas such as AI transformation, advanced biotechnology, and food tech advancements,” stated Lee Si-hye, Director General for Agri-industry Innovation Policy, MAFRA. “Our goal is to rapidly commercialize these advanced technologies into a diverse range of agricultural products and services for our communities.”

A Call for Innovators

From the total investment, there will be KRW 45.6 billion (around USD 31.5 million) allocated to 12 new projects, with KRW 28.7 billion (approximately USD 19.8 million) specifically earmarked for newly launched initiatives. The ministry has already begun accepting applications for these projects, with evaluations and selections scheduled for February and March, ensuring that research activities can commence in April.

This ambitious investment plan is poised to reshape the agricultural landscape in Korea, paving the way for innovation and sustainable development in the industry.

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