"Farming on the Brink Again as a Scapegoat"... South Jeolla Council Protests Korea-US Trade Talks

Strong Regret Over Demands for Further Opening of Beef and Rice Markets

On July 28, the Agriculture and Fisheries Committee of the South Jeolla Provincial Council expressed strong regret as agricultural and livestock products were included in the agenda of the Korea-US trade negotiations led by the government. The committee officially urged the government, through a statement released that day, to "immediately halt trade policies that sacrifice agriculture."

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Committee of the Jeonnam Provincial Council issued a statement demanding the government halt its Korea-US trade policy that sacrifices the agriculture and livestock industry. Photo by Jeonnam Provincial Council

This statement was issued amid growing concerns in the local agricultural sector regarding demands from the US side, specifically the allowance of beef imports from cattle over 30 months old, additional rice imports, and the opening of markets to genetically modified agricultural products (LMO). The committee strongly criticized that, given agriculture is already facing a serious crisis, further opening of agricultural and livestock markets would be tantamount to abandoning food sovereignty.

The committee explained, "Last year, agricultural income decreased by 14.1% compared to the previous year, and Hanwoo cattle farmers are facing losses of more than 1.61 million won per head. The agricultural sector is being pushed to the brink." They emphasized, "In the midst of this crisis, additional opening of agricultural and livestock markets is no different from declaring the abandonment of food sovereignty."

South Jeolla is the largest producer of agricultural and fisheries products in the country, and agriculture serves as the central pillar of the local economy. The provincial council has made various efforts, including enacting ordinances to protect agriculture, securing budgets, and providing on-site support.

Chairperson Kim Moonsu pointed out, "While the government claims to protect agriculture, it repeatedly concedes agriculture in every negotiation. Agriculture is not a matter for compromise, but a national security issue directly linked to the people's food supply."