Guest article: What’s driving green biology innovation in South Korean agriculture

South Korea-based Sopoong Ventures invests in early-stage climate tech startups focused on energy, agriculture, food and the circular economy.

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent those of AgFunderNews.

South Korea is undergoing significant policy shifts to drive agricultural innovation, particularly around green biology and smart farming.

The South Korean government’s bioeconomy plan for 2030 is central to these changes, promoting biotechnology integration into agriculture to enhance sustainability and efficiency. Key initiatives include substantial investments in microbiome technology to develop eco-friendly fertilizers and pest control solutions. Additionally, the government supports smart farming technologies like IoT, AI, and big data analytics, exemplified by the Smart Farm Innovation Valley project.

These policy shifts are deeply rooted in South Korea’s historical challenges and geographical constraints. Due to the mountainous terrain, only 22% of South Korea’s land is suitable for farming, a limitation that has driven innovative agricultural practices to maximize productivity on limited arable land. Historically, the country has relied heavily on fertilizers to enhance soil productivity and has a rich tradition of fermentation, which has laid the groundwork for modern microbiome technologies.

Innovations in microbiome

Microbiome-related products and fermentation technologies are improving crop health and productivity in environmentally sustainable ways. Examples include seed coatings that protect plants from diseases and pests, and eco-friendly fertilizers that enhance soil fertility without harming the environment. These technologies address soil pollution and increase crop yields, making agriculture more efficient and resilient.

South Korea’s expertise in fermentation, rooted in traditional food tech, has transitioned into modern agricultural applications. Fermented foods such as Kimchi and Doenjang are staples in Korean cuisine, and historical knowledge of these and other items has facilitated advancements in microbiome technology.

Startups have played a crucial role in driving innovation in the microbiome application and utilization market, particularly in agriculture. For instance, companies like CJ CheilJedang have utilized microbiome fermentation for agricultural products, including fertilizers and animal feed. CJ CheilJedang’s acquisition of ChunLab (now CJ BioScience) signifies a strategic move to bolster their microbiome capabilities, aiming to integrate these technologies across 100,000 hectares of farmland by 2025. Another startup, Microbalance, is also at the forefront of this industry, utilizing microbiome technology in diverse agricultural applications.

Microbiome technology in agriculture, also known as green bio, has immense potential, with promising expansion into industrial (white bio) and medical (red bio) biotechnology. The global microbiome therapeutics market is rapidly growing and is projected to reach $9.3 billion by 2028. Overall, the microbiome’s potential spans agriculture, industry, and medicine, making it a key area for growth and innovation globally.

Innovations in natural products

Natural products play a crucial role in green bio, driving advancements in sustainable agriculture and health. Recent trends show a growing preference for health supplements and alternative materials derived from natural sources, favored for their environmental benefits and safety. The global market for natural health products grew by 12% in 2023, reflecting increased consumer demand for eco-friendly and health-conscious options specifically after Covid-19.

South Korea’s agricultural sector benefits from the country’s historical expertise in natural products. Traditional Korean medicine (Hanbang) has long utilized natural substances, and modern agriculture is now integrating these practices to meet contemporary needs.

Meanwhile, the aging population in South Korea has significantly driven the demand for nature-originated medications and health products.

Given the country’s geographical and agricultural constraints, regional cooperation is essential to maximize the use of natural resources and foster innovation in the agricultural sector. The Gangwon-do and Jeollabuk-do provinces are enhancing agricultural and biotechnological advancements by leveraging their rich natural resources.

Gangwon-do focuses on developing infrastructure for cultivating and processing medicinal herbs and plant-based health supplements, benefiting from its clean air and soil quality. Jeollabuk-do, with its fertile plains and agricultural heritage, is investing in infrastructure for sustainable farming and plant-based biotechnology. Both regions are establishing innovation centers and research hubs to foster collaboration between local farmers, researchers, and biotech companies, promoting high-quality, sustainable natural products.

Startups’ agility and ability to rapidly adapt to market demands give them a significant advantage in the natural products sector. Those in this space benefit from government support, including funding, research facilities, and market access programs. For instance, Dr. Oregonin, a startup in Gangwon-do, utilizes local tree and herb extracts to create innovative health supplements and advanced medications, particularly for treating sarcopenia. Such collaborations between startups and regional resources are crucial for exploring and developing cutting-edge technologies that leverage natural resources.

The future of Korean green bio looks promising, with continued innovation and expansion anticipated in both traditional and emerging sectors. The synergy between startups and established companies will drive technological innovations, creating a robust ecosystem that supports sustainable and efficient farming practices. This evolution will likely position South Korea as a global hub for agricultural biotechnology, setting new standards for the industry worldwide.