Song Miryung Calls for Comprehensive Renewal of Organization, Work, and Mindset After Receiving Reports from Affiliated Institutions

Work Report from Korea Racing Authority, aT, and Korea Rural Community Corporation on January 12

Song Miryung, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, stated on January 12, "Each public institution must comprehensively renew its organization, work, and mindset, with a clear understanding of the new government’s philosophy and national agenda, starting from the heads of public institutions."

On this day, Minister Song conducted a work review at the Government Sejong Complex for 12 public institutions under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, including the Korea Racing Authority, Korea Rural Community Corporation, and Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation. This work report session is the second following the one held on January 7 for the Rural Development Administration and the Korea Forest Service.

Song Miryung, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, is receiving a business report on the 12th at the Government Sejong Complex from 12 public institutions under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, including the Korea Racing Authority, Korea Rural Community Corporation, and Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation. Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

First, the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) reported on strategies for expanding global K-food exports and promoting Korean cuisine worldwide, measures to vitalize the online wholesale market for agricultural and fishery products, and plans to stabilize the supply and demand of major agricultural products. Minister Song emphasized the corporation’s role in the global spread of K-food, urging that "overseas branches should actively cooperate with other organizations, such as diplomatic missions." She also called on aT to thoroughly implement detailed plans to achieve tangible results in the future. Furthermore, Minister Song highlighted that one of aT’s most important tasks is innovation in distribution, and requested that the organization and operational systems be robustly managed to support the growth of the online wholesale market, which is a key strategy.

The Korea Racing Authority reported on the introduction of an artificial intelligence (AI) detection system and the strengthening of cooperation with investigative agencies to combat illegal horse racing, the establishment of facilities prioritizing safety, and plans to enhance the competitiveness and welfare of the domestic horse industry. Minister Song requested that the current status of online illegal horse racing be accurately identified and that every effort be made to eradicate all forms of illegal activity through cooperation with relevant agencies and institutional improvements. In particular, regarding communication with the public, she emphasized the importance of carefully consulting with local residents and gaining their understanding in the development of the new horse racing park in Yeongcheon, to prevent any social issues, and to make thorough preparations for its opening.

The Korea Rural Community Corporation reported on strengthening disaster and crisis management systems for floods, droughts, and other emergencies, supporting the spread of renewable energy in rural areas, promoting the consolidation and expansion of farmland, expanding AI and smart farming infrastructure, and enhancing food security. Minister Song stated, "Public institutions must take the lead in preventing and managing major disasters," and urged that the safety management systems for sites with many small-scale construction projects be improved, and that facilities such as reservoirs, irrigation facilities, and embankments be managed with utmost thoroughness to prepare for disasters like floods and droughts. She also stressed the need for greater efforts to enhance integrity, ethics, and transparency in work such as land compensation and contracts. Additionally, she evaluated the abolition of the 'farmland rental consignment contract fee for farmers,' which had been a frequent field request, as a meaningful achievement that considers the farmers’ perspectives and reduces their burden.

Minister Song also emphasized to institutions related to livestock, such as the Korea Institute for Animal Products Quality Evaluation, the importance of improving productivity, managing livestock product prices, and reducing odors-long-standing challenges in the livestock sector. She urged the institutions to do their utmost to ensure that the livestock industry is recognized as having changed, based on clear role division and collaboration. Furthermore, she reviewed the follow-up measures taken by the Agricultural Policy Insurance & Finance Service, which had been pointed out during the National Assembly audit regarding the production and management of agricultural work accident statistics, and instructed the International Plant Quarantine Accreditation Board to innovate its internal organization and human resource management, among other issues, calling for improvements.

Minister Song said, "Institutions must demonstrate clear changes in their operations through strict responses to corruption issues, increased transparency, contributions to the local economy, and enhanced communication with the public." She added, "Please correct any wrongdoing immediately, and make active efforts to ensure that the public is well informed about your achievements."