Seo Samsuk: "Strengthening National Food Security and Establishing Food Sovereignty"

Seo Samsuk Proposes "Food Security Act" Bill

Seosamsuk, Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker.

Seo Samsuk, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea representing Yeongam, Muan, and Shinan in South Jeolla Province, announced on the 19th that he has sponsored the "Food Security Act" bill. The proposed legislation aims to establish a national-level response system to food crises amid climate change and global instability, and to guarantee the public's right to access food.

Seo stated, "Since our country relies on imports for most of its food, any failure to secure an adequate food supply could directly threaten national security and the survival of our people." He explained, "Through this bill, we have clearly defined the state's responsibility for stable food procurement, supply and demand management, and emergency response."

International assessments have also pointed out South Korea's vulnerability in responding to food crises. In the Global Food Security Index published by The Economist in the United Kingdom in 2022, South Korea ranked among the lowest of OECD countries and received a score of zero in the food security strategy category. In contrast, major countries such as Japan, China, Germany, and Switzerland have already enacted food security laws or similar systems to prepare for such crises.

The proposed legislation includes the following measures: the government must establish a "Basic Food Security Plan" every five years; create a Food Security Crisis Response Fund; manage food reserves, releases, and import adjustments; establish a "Food Security Committee" chaired by the Prime Minister; issue national food crisis alerts and review response systems; develop and manage crisis response manuals; and provide a legal basis for the free supply of grains.

Seo emphasized, "Food is not merely a source of sustenance, but a core resource for national security," adding, "This will be the first step toward the state taking responsibility for ensuring the nation's food supply."