Jeonnam Provincial Assembly Member Jinho Gun: "Agricultural Policy Must Shift from Words to Field-Oriented Action"

Ignoring the Reality of Farms Affected by Sesame Seed Blight
Calls for Practical Support on Alternative Crops and Agrivoltaics Policies

Jinho Gun, a member of the Jeonnam Provincial Assembly (Democratic Party of Korea, Gokseong), urged for the implementation of field-oriented policies during the administrative audit of the Jeonnam Provincial Agricultural and Livestock Food Bureau held on November 4. He stated, "Agricultural policy should be based on the realities of farmers in the field, not just plans made at a desk."

Assemblyman Gun cited the example of farms affected by sesame seed blight this year that were not recognized as disaster victims, saying, "The voices of residents appealing to provincial assembly members are, in the end, the field opinions that the administration must listen to." He pointed out, "The province should take the initiative in making recommendations so that the voices from the field are reflected in meetings and consultations with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs."

Jinho Gun, Jeonnam Provincial Assembly Member

Regarding policies on alternative crops such as paddy soybeans and powdered rice, he said, "It is obvious that if purchase volumes are reduced even as production increases, prices will inevitably fall." He added, "Fundamental measures are needed at both the government and local government levels to ensure the price competitiveness of domestic soybeans."

Assemblyman Gun also expressed deep concern about the problems with aging agricultural product storage facilities.

He stated, "While agricultural cooperatives and large warehouses can be rebuilt or converted into cold storage, individual storage facilities are still using buildings that are 30 to 40 years old." He emphasized, "There is a need to expand support projects for medium-sized cold storage and provide practical support measures that allow individual warehouses to be utilized."

He also pointed out the imbalance in policies regarding agrivoltaics and renewable energy.

Assemblyman Gun said, "While agrivoltaics are possible in salinized areas, inland paddy fields are blocked by absolute farmland regulations." He argued, "Through amendments to the Farmland Act and policy proposals, income sources based on renewable energy should be made available to inland farming households as well."

He also called for expanded support in the livestock sector.

Assemblyman Gun stated, "Support for dairy farmers should be expanded beyond school meal-based milk consumption to include senior centers and other elderly populations, so that dairy farmers receive practical help." He added, "Measures to strengthen livestock competitiveness, such as expanding support for Korean beef improvement projects, should also be considered."

He concluded by emphasizing, "The province's overall agricultural policy should be designed based on field realities," and "Policies should be shifted toward those that are highly effective and preventive, so that farmers can truly feel the benefits."