By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee

Jeungpyeong County has opened a new chapter in future agricultural cooperation by signing an agreement with its sister city, China's Guannan County, to develop smart agriculture and invigorate the exchange of agricultural and specialty products.

County Mayor Lee Jae-young signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the “Development of Smart Agriculture and Promotion of Agricultural and Specialty Product Exchange” with Guannan County Chief Gao Xian at a formal meeting held at the Shu Xiang Hu Hotel in Guannan County on Oct. 16.

This agreement builds upon the achievements of the friendly exchange between the two cities over the past 20 years, aiming for sustainable development in the agricultural sector and the expansion of practical exchange and cooperation.

Under the agreement, the two cities will closely cooperate in five areas: △ Introduction and dissemination of smart agriculture technology △ Operation of agricultural workforce exchange and capacity-building programs △ Mutual promotion and market development for agricultural and specialty products △ Joint brand development △ Sharing of agricultural policies and information.

The Jeungpyeong County delegation visited Guannan County from October 16 to 19, touring key agricultural sites including the world's largest single-site button mushroom cultivation facility and discussing specific cooperation plans.

Guannan County is a leading smart agriculture city that integrates cutting-edge technology into traditional farming, digitizing the entire process from production to distribution. It utilizes AI-controlled constant temperature and humidity systems and IoT-based growth management platforms to adjust temperature, humidity, and nutrients in real time.

This system enhances both productivity and quality while reducing labor burdens, making it a model case of agricultural innovation within China.

The Guannan County chief stated, “It is deeply meaningful to solidify cooperation in smart agriculture based on our 20-year friendship with Jeungpyeong County,” adding, “We expect substantive exchanges in technology, personnel, and markets to strengthen the agricultural competitiveness of both cities.”

Mayor Lee Jae-young remarked, “Smart agriculture and future food security are no longer challenges for a single region but common global issues requiring worldwide consideration.” He added, “Through this agreement, we will share technology and experience, creating an exemplary cooperative model where both cities grow together.”