Jeong Hwang-geun, Nominee for Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs: "Agriculture is a crucial industry to protect 'food security'... I will devote all my efforts"

Jeong Hwang-geun, nominee for Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, is answering questions from the press during the 3rd Cabinet announcement held at the 20th Presidential Transition Committee in Tongui-dong, Seoul on the 14th. / Photo by Transition Committee Press Photographers Group

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Son Seon-hee] Jeong Hwang-geun, nominee for Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, stated on the 14th, "Agriculture is an important industry that protects food security and has high potential for future growth," adding, "I intend to devote all my capabilities and passion, however limited, to building strong agriculture, vibrant rural areas, and prosperous farmers."

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs on the same day, Jeong expressed his nomination sentiment, saying, "I feel a grave sense of responsibility upon being nominated as the minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs." He added, "There are numerous urgent issues to address, such as stabilizing farm management in response to climate change, supply and demand instability, labor shortages, and revitalizing rural areas facing the risk of extinction."

Jeong said, "I will prepare for the parliamentary confirmation hearing with a humble attitude and sincerity," and added, "I will disclose detailed policy plans after my official appointment."

Jeong, nominated as the first Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs under the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, is a career bureaucrat who entered public service through the 20th Technical Examination. He has served as Director of the Eco-friendly Agriculture Policy Division, Director of the Rural Policy Bureau, Director of the Agricultural Policy Bureau, Secretary for Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs at the Presidential Office during the Park Geun-hye administration, and Administrator of the Rural Development Administration.