Classification of Silver Farming Types and Investigation of Proper Crop for Silver Farmers

실버농업의 유형분류 및 적합작목 탐색

The purposes of this study were to classify the silver farming types and to investigate proper crops for silver farmers. Data were collected from 408 farmers returned from the urban area. Descriptive statistics were employed using SPSS/PC windows program. After then, researchers discussed the silver farming patterns and their proper crops, and tried to analyze the silver farming model. Major results were as follows: The farming aims of retirees, urban residents as well as farmers returned from the urban area were various from hobby/ leisure to income generating activities. Fourteen types of silver farming were classified by farming aim and residential area of retirees. Retirees in the hobby/leisure-oriented silver farming type can select and enjoy the various plants, animals, and insects as well as crops due to their small scale. Silver farmers in the self-sufficiency type may select crops for their food. Income-oriented silver farmers may have difficulties in choosing the proper crop. They must consider their income needs, health status and field location. Profit-oriented silver farmers with venture mind can have some business opportunities in the agricultural sectors in spite of severe competition. As the aged silver farmers have poor health, they must keep work safety rules, use the proper work-aids, and utilize the labor-saving farming system.