the National Assembly Standing Committee at a press conference on the 25th. /Yonhap News “/>
Song Mi-ryeong, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, is explaining her position on the passage of the Grain Act Amendments by the National Assembly Standing Committee at a press conference on the 25th. / Yonhap News Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Song Mi-ryeong, said in relation to the Democratic Party of Korea’s exclusive resolution of four agriculture-related bills, including the Grain Management Act amendment, at the National Assembly’s standing committee, saying, “It is a ‘farming ruin’ that destroys the constitutional free market economic principles and the future of agriculture. ) He expressed regret over the forced enforcement of the ‘4th Act’ and strongly criticized it as “contradictory legislation that will further plummet the price of rice.” Minister Song announced that if the amendment to the Grain Management Act passes the plenary session on the 28th, he will propose to President Yoon Seok-yeol to exercise his right to request reconsideration (veto).
Minister Song said this at a press conference held at the Sejong Government Complex on the 25th, saying, “I proposed to the committee members to discuss alternatives, but (the Democratic Party) passed the decision alone at around 12 o’clock at almost midnight.”
The opposition party, including the Democratic Party, held at the National Assembly’s Agriculture, Livestock, Food, Oceans and Fisheries Committee held on the 21st, △Amendment to the Grain Management Act △Amendment to the Act on Distribution and Price Stability of Agricultural and Fishery Products (Farm Safety Act) △Amendment to the Agricultural and Fishery Accident Insurance Act (Disaster Insurance Act) △Agricultural and Fishery Disaster Countermeasures Act (Disaster Countermeasures Act) Amendments etc. were passed on their own.
Regarding the amendment to the Grain Management Act, Minister Song said, “It forces the government to purchase surplus rice, and if the price of rice does not reach the ‘fair price,’ the government must pay the difference. If the law is passed, no farm will be able to grow rice.” He pointed out, “If we do that, rice will be overproduced even more and the price of rice will fall further.” He also said, “It is breaking the will of young farmers to identify and supply competitive products.”
Regarding the Farm Safety Act, Minister Song pointed out, “If the difference between the market price and the standard price is compensated only for certain fruits and vegetables, production will be concentrated on those items, causing supply and demand instability.”
Regarding the amendment to the Disaster Insurance Act, Minister Song said, “It contains content that excludes the application of a premium for damage caused by natural disasters when calculating the insurance premium rate.” “The incentive to sign up for insurance disappears,” he said. Regarding the amendment to the Disaster Countermeasures Act, which includes guaranteeing all or part of the production costs invested before the disaster in the event of a disaster, he emphasized that “farmers will have no incentive to manage crop growth,” and “this is a law that causes those who work hard to farm to incur losses.” did it
Minister Song said, “I will explain and persuade the lawmakers as much as possible to prevent these bills from being submitted to the plenary session of the National Assembly,” but added, “If a situation arises where they pass the plenary session, I will suggest to the President to exercise the right to request reconsideration again.”
Reporter Lee Gwang-sik bumeran@hankyung.com
What are the potential long-term economic implications of the Korean government’s increased intervention in the agricultural market through these new bills?
## World-Today-News Interview: ”Farming Ruin” or Essential Support?
**Guests:**
* **Dr. Lee Ji-Eun**, Agricultural Economist, Seoul National University
* **Mr. Kim Min-Ho**, Representative, Korean Farmers’ Union
**Host:** Welcome to World Today News. Today, we delve into the controversy surrounding the recent passing of four agriculture-related bills by the National Assembly’s standing committee, sparking heated debate across the country. We have with us Dr. Lee Ji-Eun, an agricultural economist from Seoul National University, and Mr. Kim Min-Ho, representing the Korean Farmers’ Union. Welcome both.
**Section 1: The “Farming Ruin” Claim**
**Host:** Minister Song Mi-ryeong has labelled the bills a “farming ruin,” claiming they contradict market principles and jeopardize the future of Korean agriculture. Dr. Lee, could you shed light on this claim? Are these concerns warranted, and what are the potential economic implications of these bills?
**Dr. Lee:**
**Host:** Mr. Kim, from the perspective of Korean farmers, how do you respond to the Minister’s claims? What are the everyday challenges farmers face that these bills aim to address?
**Mr. Kim:**
**Section 2: Price Support and Market Intervention**
**Host:** One of the most contentious aspects is the amendment to the Grain Management Act, which mandates government purchase of surplus rice. Both proponents and opponents argue over its impact on rice prices. Dr. Lee, what is your analysis of the potential effects of this amendment on rice production and market dynamics?
**Dr. Lee:**
**Host:** Mr. Kim, many farmers, particularly rice producers, welcome this amendment, perceiving it as much-needed support in a volatile market. Can you explain why this direct intervention is seen as essential for their survival?
**Mr. Kim:**
**Section 3: Balancing Support and Sustainability**
**Host:** These bills also address other concerns, like disaster insurance and price stability for fruits and vegetables. Mr. Kim, how do these additional aspects impact the livelihoods of farmers, and what further measures do you believe are crucial for long-term agricultural sustainability?
**Mr. Kim:**
**Host:** Dr. Lee, looking beyond immediate concerns, what are the broader implications of these bills for the future of Korean agriculture? Do they pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector, or do they raise concerns about long-term dependency and market distortions?
**Dr. Lee:**
**Section 4: Moving Forward**
**Host:** The debate on these bills is sure to continue as they move toward the plenary session. Mr. Kim, what message do you have for lawmakers as they consider these amendments?
**Mr. Kim:**
**Host:** Dr. Lee, what are your thoughts on the potential for compromise and finding common ground between the opposing viewpoints?
**Dr. Lee:**
**Host:** Thank you both for sharing your valuable insights on this complex and important issue. The conversation surrounding these bills will undoubtedly continue, shaping the future of Korean agriculture for years to come.
