Lee Jae Myung: "Realistic Agricultural Disaster Compensation in the Era of Climate Crisis"

"Rural Communities Must Be Sustained to Prevent the Disappearance of Local Regions"

Lee Jae Myung, former leader and presidential pre-candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated on the 25th, "I will establish Korea as an agricultural powerhouse to ensure sustainable agriculture."

Lee Jae Myung, former leader and presidential pre-candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking during his visit to the Saemangeum 33 Center in Jeonbuk on the 24th. Photo by Yonhap News

In his policy statement on building an agricultural powerhouse released that day, Lee said, "Due to climate change, agricultural disasters have become more frequent," and added, "The farming population is decreasing, production costs are soaring, and supply instability is compounding these issues, all of which are shaking the sustainability of agriculture."

Lee emphasized, "For agriculture to survive, farmers must be able to make a living, and rural communities must be sustained to prevent the extinction of local regions," adding, "Agriculture is not merely a primary industry, but a national strategic industry responsible for balanced development and food security in Korea."

As strategies to build an agricultural powerhouse, Lee pledged to: make agricultural disaster compensation more realistic and reduce the burden of production costs; expand smart agriculture; guarantee farmers' retirement security; increase the agricultural policy budget and establish an advanced income safety net for farm households; and guarantee a fair price for rice.