Empowering South Korea’s next generation in high-tech horticulture

With the average age of agricultural workers across South Korea rising above 60 and fewer young people entering the field*, the YEAH programme aims to show that modern horticulture offers far more than people might imagine.

YEAH programme

The YEAH initiative carries the message ‘Horticulture is much more than you think’. It highlights how today’s horticulture sector is powered by innovation, data-driven cultivation, robotics and global collaboration, combining science, sustainability and creativity into one vibrant industry. Through workshops, masterclasses, field visits and an entrepreneurship-focused innovation challenge, Korean students and young professionals can gain hands-on experience with high-tech horticulture and connect with global experts and innovators.

Collaboration with a purpose

Developed by Rijk Zwaan in partnership with the Netherlands Agricultural Network at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Priva and leading Korean educational institutions, YEAH symbolises a shared commitment to empowering young talent and driving sustainable innovation in horticulture.

Rick Nobel, Agricultural Counsellor from the Netherlands Agricultural Network team at the Dutch Embassy in South Korea, emphasises the importance of investing in future talent. “High-tech horticulture today is driven by technology, sustainability and international cooperation. Through YEAH, we aim to empower young entrepreneurs to recognise the vast opportunities in this sector and lead its future transformation,” he says.

People and innovation

As one of YEAH’s founding partners, Rijk Zwaan brings to the programme its strong focus on people and long-term development. “As a family-owned company, people have always been at the heart of Rijk Zwaan,” comments Natalie Nguyen, Client Specialist at Rijk Zwaan. “Our mission is to offer our employees a meaningful, enjoyable and long-term stable job, and we believe the same care should be extended to the next generation entering the horticultural sector. With YEAH, we aim to inspire young people in South Korea to discover the rewarding and future-focused opportunities that modern horticulture offers, and to feel that they too can build a fulfilling and sustainable career in this innovative industry,” she continues.

Priva underscores the value of knowledge-sharing and exposure to modern technology. “Smart greenhouses, automation and digital growing systems are transforming our industry,” states Manuel Madani, Head of Northeast Asia at Priva. “Through YEAH, participants can experience these developments firsthand and understand how technology and passion come together in modern horticulture.”

Join the YEAH movement

The YEAH programme welcomes South Korean students and young people from diverse backgrounds: agriculture, business, engineering, marketing, economics and beyond. The programme is being promoted at universities across South Korea. Anyone with an interest in horticulture is invited to join the YEAH movement and help shape the future of horticulture.

Learn more at: https://www.yeahhorti.com/

* Asian Development Outlook 2021, September 2021, Asian Development Bank