Assemblyman Seodongyong Listens to On-site Voices for Re-promotion of Grain Management Act

Meeting with Agricultural Organizations and Nonghyup Officials

Will Reflect Field Voices in Legislation for Food Security

National Assembly member Seo Dong-yong (The Democratic Party of Korea, Suncheon·Gwangyang·Gokseong·Gurye-eul) held a meeting with farmers' organizations and Nonghyup cooperative heads for the first time in Jeollanam-do to re-promote the Grain Management Act.

On the 15th, Seo held a meeting at the Democratic Party regional committee office with Seo Young-bae, chairman of the Gwangyang City Council from the same party, Jeollanam-do Council members Lim Hyung-seok and Park Kyung-mi, Gwangyang City Council members Ahn Young-heon, Jeong Hoe-gi, Kim Jeong-im, Shin Yong-sik, Park Cheol-su, Seo Young-bae (Okgok), and about 30 farmers and Nonghyup officials to hear voices from the field for the re-promotion of the Grain Management Act.

[Photo by Seodongyong Office]

This meeting was arranged to review future responses such as the Grain Management Act and its follow-up measures, rice price normalization, and expansion of support for alternative crops.

At the meeting, Seo Dong-yong said, “There is a color attack calling the bill to normalize rice prices, which plummeted due to structural oversupply of rice and the abolition of the paddy field crop diversification support project, a communist law.” He added, “It is very unfair to unconditionally accuse farmers of only growing rice through purchase and to slander them as a morally lax group.”

He continued, “Although the amendment to the Grain Management Act was frustrated by the president and the ruling party, the Democratic Party of Korea has already announced that it will promote follow-up legislation to normalize rice prices.” He emphasized, “We held this meeting quickly to protect not only rice price stability but also the farmers’ urgent right to survival and food security.”

Voices from farmers actually engaged in rice farming were heard at the meeting regarding rice price stabilization and support for alternative crops.

One farmer said, “I hope active consideration will be given to encouraging fallow fields in rice farming areas and supporting this.” He added, “If this happens, it will help prevent oversupply of rice, stabilize prices, and improve soil fertility, thereby increasing farming efficiency.”

Another farmer raised his voice, saying, “To cultivate alternative crops, various farming equipment is needed, so equipment support and preparation are necessary.” He emphasized, “It is not about quitting rice farming due to falling rice prices, but autonomous cultivation of alternative crops should be achieved through active support.”

In response, Seo Dong-yong said, “To protect the farmers’ urgent right to survival and food security, stabilizing rice farming is above all necessary.” He added, “I will actively strive to incorporate your valuable opinions into the newly promoted bill.”

After many twists and turns, the Grain Management Act passed the National Assembly but was finally rejected on the 4th due to President Yoon Seok-yeol’s request for reconsideration (veto exercise).

Gwangyang = Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters reporter Heo Seon-sik hss79@asiae.co.kr