In the heart of Buyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, Udumji Farm is leading the charge in modern, sustainable agriculture. Through the use of advanced greenhouse technology and eco-friendly systems, they are not only increasing productivity but also ensuring consistent, high-quality crop production year-round. Their flagship product, the cherry tomato, thrives in an environment designed to withstand natural disasters and extreme weather conditions, such as typhoons and earthquakes.
A Cutting-Edge Greenhouse Design for Year-Round Harvesting
Udumji Farm’s smart farm features a unique Korean-style semi-closed glass greenhouse, measuring 26,000 square meters. Unlike traditional farms, the greenhouse utilizes soil made from coconut shells instead of regular soil, allowing for uniform quality regardless of external weather conditions. This setup ensures that tomatoes are grown year-round with consistent taste and quality. CEO Shim Yong-bo highlights the benefits of this system, noting that it is designed to adapt to seasonal changes and extreme weather.
The greenhouse is equipped with a triple screen and dual air conditioning system, allowing for optimal temperature and humidity control. Eco-friendly heating and cooling systems, including an air heat pump and fan-and-pad cooling system using groundwater, have drastically reduced the energy consumption needed to run the farm. Additionally, the farm sells carbon credits, reinforcing their commitment to sustainable agriculture.
Technological Innovations: Moving Gully System and Deep Flow Technique
A major differentiator for Udumji Farm is its integration of cutting-edge farming systems. The Moving Gully System automates the entire process from cultivation to distribution, enhancing efficiency and reducing labor costs. Meanwhile, the Deep Flow Technique (DFT) system, which immerses crop roots in nutrient-rich solutions, maximizes growth potential while minimizing water and energy usage. These systems have led to a 20-30% increase in productivity compared to traditional greenhouses.
Impressive Growth and Future Expansion
Udumji Farm’s commitment to innovation has resulted in significant growth. Since its founding in 2011, the company’s sales have grown exponentially, with a fivefold increase in the last five years. In 2019, sales were 11.1 billion won, and by the end of last year, they had risen to 56.6 billion won. Despite these impressive numbers, the company faces challenges in meeting the demand for tomatoes, as the current production capacity only covers a portion of the market needs.
To address this, Udumji Farm plans to expand its cultivation area by building additional greenhouses in Seosan, Chungcheongnam-do, and Changnyeong, Gyeongsangnam-do. This expansion will help stabilize supply and demand, ensuring a consistent product for their growing customer base.
Global Expansion and Future Goals
Looking beyond South Korea, Udumji Farm has made strides in globalizing its smart farm technology. The company has signed memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam to expand its reach. CEO Shim emphasizes that the company’s long-term goal is to create a new agricultural ecosystem that benefits farmers, consumers, and all members of society. With continued innovation and strategic partnerships, Udumji Farm aims to become the world’s leading agricultural company based on its cutting-edge smart farming technologies.
Conclusion: A Vision for the Future of Agriculture
Udumji Farm is not just a smart farm company; it is a pioneer in sustainable agriculture and technological innovation. With its advanced greenhouse systems, eco-friendly practices, and strategic expansion plans, the company is setting new standards for productivity and efficiency in agriculture. As they continue to grow domestically and internationally, their vision for a smarter, more sustainable agricultural future is becoming a reality.
