Farmers' Group Issues Statement Calling for Introduction of Reappointment System for NongHyup Central Association President... Debate Over 'Applicability to Incumbent'

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Son Seon-hee] Farmer organizations such as the Korea Federation of Agricultural and Livestock Associations and the Council of Livestock-Related Organizations have called for the introduction of a reappointment system for the President of the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation (NACF) and urged the revision of related laws. They are requesting the opening of the path for reappointment of the NACF president, who is currently limited to a single term, but some opposition voices have emerged as the current president is also included in the scope.

On the 6th, the Korea Federation of Agricultural and Livestock Associations issued a statement saying, "It is absolutely necessary to extend the term of the NACF president to a reappointment system to enhance the status and activity of the NACF," urging the National Assembly to pass the 'Partial Amendment to the Agricultural Cooperative Act.'

The organization stated, "We believe that the previous issues of power concentration in the NACF president have been institutionally supplemented through non-standing positions, reduction of personnel authority, securing independence by business and corporation, and delegation of executive director and audit committee chairman roles," adding, "Due to the single-term system, major NACF policies have been interrupted every four years, and measures such as field communication and policy establishment have been insufficient."

The Council of Livestock-Related Organizations also issued a statement on the same day, supporting the move by saying, "Since the president election has been changed to a direct election by cooperative heads, the decision on reappointment should be made through elections by regional agricultural cooperative heads based on an evaluation system grounded in management principles."

The amendment to the Agricultural Cooperative Act, which allows the NACF president, currently limited to a single term, to be reappointed once, is currently pending in the relevant standing committee of the National Assembly. It is reported that it will be reviewed again around the 8th.

However, some organizations such as 'Nongmin-ui Gil with the People' have voiced opposition because the reappointment system could be applied starting with the current NACF president. Opinions are divided even among members of the standing committee, and the review is expected to face difficulties.