The South Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced a 168% increase in smart farm exports, reaching $283 million by Nov. 2023, up from $105 million in the previous year. The ministry defines smart farm technologies as “fourth industrial revolution technologies,” such as the Internet of Things (IoT) technology, big data, artificial intelligence and robotics that enable the remote and automatic maintenance and management of crops and livestock.

The growth is attributed to enhanced governmental cooperation in the Middle East, a region prioritizing food security. The ministry has focused on the Middle East as a key export market for smart farm technology, leading to expanded operations of Korean smart farm companies in the region. The agriculture ministry undertook several initiatives throughout the year, including signing 13 memorandums of understanding worth $95 million with Middle Eastern countries and establishing a smart farm-focused trade center. The ministry plans to continue focusing on the region in the coming year to bolster private investment and expand South Korea’s global reach in smart agriculture.