President Yoon: "Swift Recovery from Heavy Rain Damage in Agriculture... Securing 50% Food Self-Sufficiency Rate"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hyowon] President Yoon Seok-yeol on the 10th urged thorough and swift recovery of damages in the agricultural sector caused by the heavy rains.

According to a briefing by Deputy Spokesperson Lee Jae-myung, President Yoon received a work report from Minister Jeong Hwang-geun of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs at the presidential office that afternoon and said, "I hope you make every effort to stabilize the prices of major agricultural and livestock products," adding, "I hope you secure a food self-sufficiency rate of over 50% and establish a stable international supply chain."

The work report that day also included content about continuing active dialogue efforts to reach a social consensus on the issue of dog meat consumption.

Minister Jeong explained, "Actual public opinion surveys show that over 80% of people do not want to eat dog meat. Many also support banning it by law, but there are also many citizens who question whether legal regulation is necessary," adding, "The committee discussing the dog meat issue includes consumers, the dog meat association, and various social groups, so rather than deciding between A or B, or banning or not, we concluded that it is better to utilize the committee’s function to naturally gather opinions."

Minister Jeong also conveyed that the president strongly urged the active promotion of plans to replace 10% of imported wheat flour demand by 2027 through the active use of broken rice (rice that easily crumbles into powder).

He continued, "It is true that broken rice is 2 to 3 times more expensive than wheat flour, but since it is 'gluten-free,' there is a consumer base using rice flour," adding, "We will later review the pricing issue, whether it is feasible at the current market price or if it would be better to supply it at a slightly lower price to see its potential."

As one of the measures to manage agricultural and food prices during the Chuseok peak season, he stated, "We are ready to immediately spray pesticides to prevent highland cabbages in Gangwon-do from rotting, and fortunately, heavy rainfall did not concentrate in the Daegwallyeong highland area," noting that compared to past levels, the damage to crops from the heavy rains is not severe.

Minister Jeong also added that he reported to President Yoon after consulting with financial authorities regarding the sharp rise in heating oil used in facility greenhouses for growing vegetables during winter.