Lee Jaemyung Pledges to Guarantee Farm Income... Grain Act Revision and Expansion of Public Direct Payments

Announcement of Agricultural, Forestry, and Food Policies
Introduction of National Support System for Essential Agricultural Materials

On May 11, Lee Jaemyung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party, stated, "We will guarantee advanced-country-level farm incomes and introduce a disaster safety net," adding, "We will revise the Grain Management Act to increase cultivation of alternative crops in paddy fields and stabilize the prices of rice and food crops."

Lee Jaemyung, the Democratic Party candidate, is talking with citizens in Yonggangdong, Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk. Photo by Lim Chunhan

On Facebook that day, Lee said, "We will expand public direct payments and introduce a farm produce price stabilization system, a national responsibility system for disasters, and a national support system for essential agricultural materials," adding, "We will provide allowances to rural and fishing village residents and also increase government budgets for the agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and food sectors."

The Democratic Party has been pushing for an amendment to the Grain Act that would require the government to take mandatory measures, such as purchasing surplus production, in the event of a sharp drop or surge in rice prices. However, the government exercised its right to request reconsideration (veto) twice, in 2023 and last year.

Lee stated, "We will create rural areas where everyone wants to live," adding, "We will expand solar power for farms to provide 'sunlight pensions' and establish 'sunlight income villages' led by local residents."

Lee also said, "We will transform agriculture into a sector that guarantees retirement and connects generations," adding, "We will introduce a retirement pension system for farmers and systematically nurture future agricultural talent, including young people, women, agricultural professionals, and joint farming organizations."

Lee stated, "In this era of climate crisis, the state will take responsibility for the people’s food supply," adding, "We will raise the food self-sufficiency rate and establish a crisis warning system to proactively respond to climate challenges."

Lee also said, "We will provide 1,000-won breakfasts for university students and workers, and offer 'food vouchers' to unemployed young people," adding, "We will also resume state support for eco-friendly agricultural product packages for pregnant women and fruit snack programs for elementary school students."