The Korea Rural Economic Institute (KREI), under the leadership of President Han Doo Bong, held an anniversary ceremony on April 1st to commemorate its 46th founding anniversary. The ceremony took place on March 29th at the institute's conference hall. The event included the presentation of special contributions and outstanding project awards, a commemorative speech, congratulatory messages via video, a ceremonial meal, and a commemorative photo session.

During his commemorative speech, President Han expressed gratitude for the efforts of the staff, stating, "Over the past 46 years, KREI has played a significant role as a think tank in agricultural policy and institutional development, embracing the concerns of farmers and contributing as a constructive critic of the government." He emphasized the challenges posed by recent climate change-induced fluctuations and surges in agricultural prices, urging the institute to propose various solutions, such as the advancement of agricultural production and distribution systems based on big data, to supply high-quality agricultural products to the public at affordable prices. He also stressed the importance of addressing rural population decline and aging to pass on a robust agriculture sector, vibrant rural communities, and prosperous farmers to future generations, calling for collective wisdom.

Chairman Shin Dong Cheon of the National Research Council for Economics, Humanities, and Social Sciences (NRC) delivered a congratulatory speech, stating, "The role of the Korea Rural Economic Institute is more significant now than ever before. I hope the institute actively implements its vision and strategy to become a trusted research institution not only for farmers but also for the entire nation, and I wish for a strong leap toward the future."

The ceremony also included the presentation of special contribution awards and plaques of appreciation. The special contribution award was given to Ryu Nam-ryul, a management supervisor at the institute, while plaques of appreciation were awarded to Kim Yoon-jeong, a local correspondent, and Jo Jung-geun, head of the vegetable business team at Nonghyup Economic Holdings.

Outstanding project awards were presented, with one project receiving the Grand Prize and four projects receiving Outstanding Project awards. The Grand Prize went to the project titled "Response to Changes in the Post-COVID-19 Food Market: Agricultural Food Safety Management Response Project," led by Research Fellow Park Mi-seong. Outstanding Project awards were granted to projects including "Promotion of the Pet Food Industry for Creating New Growth Engines in the Agricultural and Food Industry" led by Senior Researcher Hwang Yoon-jae, "Utilization of FTA Origin Regulations for Expanding Agricultural and Food Exports" led by Research Fellow Kim Sang-hyun, "Expansion and Stabilization of Agricultural Sector Jobs for an Inclusive Society (3rd Year of 3-Year Plan)" led by Research Fellow Eom Jin-young, and "Study on Improving the Structure of Agricultural and Food Finance Revenue" led by Senior Researcher Kim Mi-bok.