South Korea's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs plans to draft legislation next year to provide a legal basis for agricultural photovoltaic (PV) projects, aiming to promote the application of solar energy in agriculture.

The Ministry announced plans to introduce legislation to provide a legal foundation for agricultural PV projects. Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryung met with farmers and representatives of solar energy companies this week to discuss the relevant legislation. She stated that the bill is expected to be drafted this year and formally promulgated in the first half of next year.

The meeting was held at an agricultural PV demonstration base in Ochang-eup, Cheongju, where cabbage crops were growing under solar panels.

Earlier this month, the Ministry of Agriculture stated on its website that the new agricultural PV regulations will prevent overexploitation of projects, ensure food security, and guarantee that profits are returned to residents, communities, and farmers. The new law will be based on rural spatial planning, clearly defining suitable agricultural land for PV deployment.

This statement addressed concerns raised by some media outlets regarding future projects. The Ministry added that, as agricultural PV is still in the pilot stage, the media should avoid speculative reporting.

The Ministry of Agriculture first proposed an agricultural photovoltaic strategy in April 2024, planning to extend the permit period for idle farmland from 8 years to 23 years.

Earlier this year, researchers predicted that solar energy will become South Korea's most cost-competitive energy source between 2030 and 2035.