Andong City Council Urges Immediate Halt to Talks on Expanding US Agricultural Imports

Andong City Council Urges Protection of Agricultural Sovereignty
Threats to National Food Security and Self-Sufficiency

The Andong City Council in North Gyeongsang Province has strongly criticized the ongoing Korea-US trade negotiations, particularly the discussions on expanding imports of US agricultural products, and has called for their immediate suspension.

Andong City Council in Gyeongbuk holds a banner and issues a statement opposing the import of agricultural and livestock products at the city council.

On July 30, the Andong City Council issued a statement, saying, "Easing quarantine and regulations on major items such as apples, rice, beef, and genetically modified organisms (GMO), allowing imports of US beef over 30 months old, and further opening of rice and fruit markets are currently being discussed at the negotiation table." The council added, "These measures will pose a serious threat to agriculture and the safety of the nation's food supply."

The council stated, "This issue is not merely a matter of tariff negotiations or adjusting import quotas." They emphasized, "It is about surrendering the foundation of national food self-sufficiency and the sustainability of agriculture to external pressure, which could set a dangerous precedent by undermining the balance and legitimacy of trade negotiations."

Andong is the largest apple-producing region in the country and is known for its balanced distribution of rice farming, livestock, and field crops. The region is currently facing multiple crises, including wildfires, abnormal weather, pests and diseases, and rising production costs. The city council stressed, "Further opening of imports not only poses a direct threat to the livelihoods of farmers but could also undermine the stability of the nation's food supply."

In its statement, the city council demanded: ▲ the immediate suspension and withdrawal of negotiations regarding the expansion of US agricultural imports ▲ the establishment and legislation of a national principle that agriculture will not be used as a bargaining chip in trade negotiations ▲ the implementation of practical policies to secure food sovereignty and protect local agriculture.

A representative of the Andong City Council stated, "Agriculture is not just an industry but a strategic asset that protects public health and national security," and added, "Treating agriculture as a subject of trade negotiations ultimately threatens the people's right to survival."

This statement was issued amid growing concerns across the agricultural sector and civil society, as the US side has made the opening of the agricultural market a key agenda item in the Korea-US trade negotiations.