As record-breaking heatwaves and droughts persist, the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation (Nonghyup) is stepping up its organization-wide field response to minimize damage to farmers and livestock farms. On the 6th, Nonghyup announced that it is inspecting heatwave and drought damage at agricultural and livestock sites nationwide and focusing its efforts on establishing recovery measures to ensure that farming and livestock activities can continue stably.

◇ 5,927 Cooling Shelters in Operation… Large-Scale Distribution of Preventive Supplies A total of 5,927 cooling shelters are being operated through Nonghyup across the country. Various heatwave damage prevention supplies are being provided to farmers, including 320,000 neck coolers, 1 million fans, 1 million packs of onion juice, and 200,000 heatwave safety guideline leaflets. Nonghyup is also striving to improve the quality of cooling shelter operations by inspecting the status of air conditioning and convenience facilities, identifying best practices, and providing incentives.

◇ Management Directly Visits Sites… Conducts On-Site Inspections CEOs of each division of Nonghyup Economic Holdings are directly visiting affected sites to assess the situation. Ahn Byung-woo, CEO of the Livestock Economy Division of Nonghyup Economic Holdings, visited livestock farms in Boseong, South Jeolla Province, on the 4th to inspect heatwave response measures. On the 5th, Kim Ju-yang, CEO of the Agricultural Economy Division, visited persimmon and pear farms in Gimhae and Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province, to assess sunburn damage and discuss recovery support measures. On the same day, the Rural Support Department of the Nonghyup Central Committee visited farms and reservoirs in Gimhae, Miryang, and Changwon in South Gyeongsang Province to inspect agricultural water supply, pump support, and the growth status of major crops.

◇ Livestock Sector… Continuous Monitoring and Water Sprinkling Service in Operation In the livestock sector, the Livestock Economy Comprehensive Situation Room will be operated until the end of August to continuously monitor farms vulnerable to heatwaves. A 'visiting water sprinkling service' is conducted daily using vehicles from 540 squads of the joint pest control team to regulate temperatures inside livestock sheds and prevent damage to animals. In addition, supplies such as heat stress reducers, vitamin supplements, probiotics, and mineral blocks are being provided. Nonghyup Feed is supplying water for shed sprinkling and special nutritional feed, while Nonghyup Mokuchon is providing vitamin and amino acid supplements to help maintain livestock health.

◇ Crop Damage Response… Support for Chemicals, Pumps, and Disaster Kits Nonghyup is also strengthening its response to crop damage. Various recovery measures are being pursued, including the provision of sunburn prevention chemicals, emergency supply of water pumps, and distribution of farming disaster recovery kits. On the 5th, the Ulsan Nonghyup Headquarters inspected heatwave and drought damage sites in the Sangbuk-myeon area of Ulju-gun and examined the Songnaegokji Reservoir and nearby farmland. Through meetings with farmers and village heads, they received requests regarding the expansion of well facilities, management of irrigation infrastructure, strengthening regular inspections and maintenance, and the establishment of a rapid cooperation system. The Ulsan Nonghyup is using its own funds to provide 50,000 salt-glucose tablets, water pumps, cooling vests, and other heat illness prevention supplies, and is also providing emergency support such as allocating tax-free fuel quotas needed to operate water pumps.

Nonghyup plans to continue cooperating with regional agricultural and livestock cooperatives to inspect damage, assess the scale of damage and field demand, and closely consult with the Nonghyup Central Committee headquarters to prepare additional support measures.

Kang Ho-dong, President of the Nonghyup Central Committee, stated, "It is most important to minimize the damage suffered by farmers and livestock farms struggling due to the record-breaking heatwave and drought," adding, "We will further strengthen our field-centered response system and swiftly implement practical support." He also added, "We will ensure that farmers and livestock farms can continue their farming and livestock activities stably."