Advancing Digital Breeding (Phenotyping): WUR Strengthens Agricultural Collaboration with South Korea
Seoul, South Korea – A delegation from Wageningen University & Research (WUR) Plant Sciences Group visited South Korea from March 24 to 28, 2025, to enhance collaboration in climate-resilient agriculture. This visit builds upon an existing partnership between WUR and South Korea, focusing on integrating digital breeding and smart farming technologies into modern agricultural practices. The delegation’s visit follows last year’s announcement of a collaboration between WUR and DDS Bio of South Korea in climate-resilient agriculture.
Project Background
Following the 2023 Seed Money Project on digital breeding, two major initiatives are currently underway. The first is a research project led by the Netherlands Plant Eco-phenotyping Centre (NPEC), fully funded by South Korea’s Rural Development Administration (RDA). The second initiative is a Public-Private Partnership (PPS) project, funded by the Top Sector Horticulture in the Netherlands, serving as a matching fund for contributions from Dutch and Korean organizations, including the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) and Daedong, a leading tractor manufacturer. These projects aim to drive advanced research and industrial collaboration in digital agriculture.
FOSTER 1 Project
The FOSTER 1 project builds upon the foundations laid by the previous Seed Money and PPS projects, which identified key areas for innovation and set the stage for broader collaboration between WUR and DDS Bio, a South Korean bio company. These preliminary projects played a crucial role in highlighting agricultural challenges and opportunities, facilitating the development of targeted solutions in digital breeding and smart farming.
In October 2024, WUR and DDS Bio formally launched the FOSTER 1 project, an initiative designed to promote climate-resilient agriculture in South Korea. The project addresses pressing agricultural challenges such as climate change, food security, and an aging farming population through the adoption of cutting-edge digital technologies, including digital phenotyping, precision farming, and automated cultivation systems. Leveraging WUR’s expertise in sustainable agriculture across various global regions, the FOSTER 1 project aligns with South Korea’s national initiative to modernize agriculture by 2040.
The first phase of the project, backed by a 1.5 million euro investment from DDS Bio, will focus on planning, needs assessments, and pilot projects. Subsequent phases will establish advanced research and development facilities. This collaboration represents a significant milestone in the deepening partnership between the Netherlands and South Korea, emphasizing the integration of autonomous cultivation technologies to enhance farming efficiency and resource optimization.
Establishment of a Research Center and Future Prospects
To further develop this collaboration, researchers from WUR traveled to South Korea from March 24 to 28, 2025 to discuss the establishment of a research center in partnership with DDS Bio. The visit to Jeonbuk State highlighted its potential as a strategic site for digital agricultural innovation.
During their visit, the delegation toured key agricultural and food technology hubs, including facilities of the Korean Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) in Gangwon-do and Saemangeum, and participated in a session focused on the establishment of a Digital Agriculture Research Center. The session also covered the latest advancements in digital breeding technology, underscoring the importance of innovation in sustainable agriculture.
Strengthening Korea-Netherlands Collaboration
Following the delegation’s visit, officials from Jeonbuk State reaffirmed their commitment to expanding networks with the Netherlands, a globally recognized leader in smart agriculture and bio-food technology. Strengthening this partnership is expected to boost joint projects and enhance agricultural competitiveness.
The collaboration aims to attract more investment and industry players while advancing sustainable food solutions through research and innovation. This partnership supports a resilient, tech-driven agricultural future and a more sustainable global food system.
