Korea-US Trade Talks: Is Agriculture Once Again a Bargaining Chip?... Lim Mi-ae Stresses the Need to Protect Food Sovereignty

Joint Statement by Democratic Party Members of the National Assembly's Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee
"Agriculture Is Not a Bargaining Chip"

As the Democratic Party members of the National Assembly's Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee officially confirmed that the government is discussing the opening of the agricultural market and the easing of quarantine regulations in the Korea-US trade negotiations, there is strong backlash, particularly from the agricultural sector.

Im Miae, Chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea Gyeongbuk Provincial Party Committee

Concerns are growing that major agricultural and livestock products, including rice, may once again become subjects of negotiation, fueling controversy over the potential erosion of food sovereignty.

On July 27, Lim Mi-ae, a member of the Democratic Party on the National Assembly's Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee, stated in a joint declaration, "Agriculture is not merely a tradable commodity, but the final safeguard protecting the nation's tables and lives." She emphasized, "The government must not allow this negotiation to sacrifice agriculture for diplomatic achievements."

Lim Mi-ae, head of the Gyeongbuk Provincial Party, pointed out, "For the past 30 years, Korean agriculture has borne the burdens of various international negotiations, but the results have been a decline in self-sufficiency, an increase in farm debt, and the hollowing out of rural communities." She added, "Nevertheless, the fact that agriculture is once again being discussed as a sacrificial offering in negotiations is a serious problem."

She continued, "Agriculture can never be a bargaining chip. The government must establish clear principles at the negotiation table to firmly protect food sovereignty and the safety of the nation's food supply." She also stated, "The National Assembly and the agricultural sector, together with the people, will defend Korean agriculture and farmers to the very end."

The agricultural community is also expressing strong concerns. An agricultural representative stated, "Food sovereignty is directly linked to national security," and emphasized, "Using agriculture simply as a card in trade negotiations is tantamount to abandoning the survival foundation of future generations."

If these negotiations lead to further market opening in the agricultural sector, the impact on domestic agriculture and the rural economy is expected to be significant. Attention is focused on what principles and strategies the government will employ during the negotiation process to protect food sovereignty.