On March 10, the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation (NACF) held its 2025 Outstanding Agricultural and Livestock Cooperatives Awards at its headquarters in Jung-gu, Seoul.
The ceremony recognized winners in three categories: the comprehensive performance evaluation of agricultural and livestock cooperatives; the Mutual Finance Awards, which evaluate credit operations; and the Urban Cooperative Role Index.
In the comprehensive performance evaluation, 120 cooperatives out of 1,110 nationwide were honored for strong results across economic activities, credit services, and education-support programs. Five cooperatives — Samho Nonghyup, Sinbuk Nonghyup, Gunseo Nonghyup, Gandong Nonghyup, and Yeongam Livestock Cooperative — were inducted into the Hall of Fame after achieving Group 1 status at least five times since 2001.
The Mutual Finance Awards were given to 132 cooperatives. Ttangkkeut Nonghyup received the top prize, and seven cooperatives that finished Group 1 in the mutual finance category for three consecutive years were added to the Hall of Fame.
In the Urban Cooperative Role Index evaluation, nine cooperatives received awards, led by Yeongdeungpo Nonghyup, which won the Grand Prize. Namseoul and Seongnam Nonghyup earned Excellence Awards.
In his remarks, NACF President Kang Ho-dong thanked cooperative leaders and staff for their dedication to advancing agriculture and improving farmers’ livelihoods amid difficult operating conditions — including heightened financial-market volatility, a strong exchange rate, and rising oil prices — and urged them to continue focusing efforts on protecting farmers’ rights and revitalizing rural communities.
