Tractors Leave Jeonnam Provincial Government After 40 Days as Budget Is Restored

Jeonnam Province Restores Rice Management Stabilization Fund to Previous Level
Farmers' Organizations Hold Press Conference, Say "We Welcome the Decision"

The National Federation of Farmers' Associations Gwangju-Jeonnam Federation and the National Rice Producers Association Gwangju-Jeonnam Headquarters held a press conference in front of the Jeonnam Provincial Council on the 22nd, stating, "We welcome the restoration of the rice management stabilization fund." Photo by Shim Jinseok

The agricultural tractors that had been stationed at the Meeting Plaza of the Jeonnam Provincial Government were removed after more than 40 days. This comes as the issue of the reduction in rice management stabilization funds, which had sparked conflict between Jeonnam Province, the Jeonnam Provincial Council, and local farmers' organizations, has been effectively resolved.

The National Federation of Farmers' Associations Gwangju-Jeonnam Federation and the National Rice Producers Association Gwangju-Jeonnam Headquarters held a press conference in front of the Jeonnam Provincial Council on the 22nd, stating, "We welcome the decision to restore the rice management stabilization fund in Jeonnam Province."

These organizations stated, "Initially, Jeonnam Province reduced the rice management stabilization fund, citing reasons such as decreased concerns over falling rice prices after the inauguration of the Lee Jaemyung administration, excessive fiscal burden, and restructuring of the agricultural budget due to the introduction of the Rural Basic Income program. However, as even Jeonnam Province has acknowledged, the spread of rice kernel smut, declining production, and continued increases in the prices of essential agricultural inputs have placed farm households in an increasingly difficult economic situation."

They added, "Now that this conflict has been resolved, we will work together to ensure the stable implementation of the Rural Basic Income program going forward."

This situation was triggered when the rice management stabilization fund was cut by nearly half compared to the previous level. Jeonnam Province allocated 22.8 billion won for 2024, the same amount as the previous year, and submitted it to the provincial council. However, during the budget review process, the council cut 50% of the amount, approving a final budget of 11.4 billion won.

Jeonnam Province and the provincial council cited the possibility of rice price stabilization due to amendments to the Grain Management Act and the promotion of the Essential Agricultural Inputs Act as grounds for the budget reduction. In particular, they justified the decision by stating that a portion of the rice management stabilization fund was converted into the Farmers' Public Benefit Allowance, which supports all agricultural workers. In fact, the allowance per household will be raised from 600,000 won to 700,000 won starting this year.

However, farmers' organizations strongly opposed the move, saying, "It's like robbing Peter to pay Paul."

On the 22nd, all the tractors installed last December at the Jeonnam Provincial Government Meeting Plaza were removed following the resolution of the issue regarding the reduction of the rice management stabilization fund. Photo by Shim Jinseok

On December 9 last year, they began a full-scale protest with a rally in front of the Jeonnam Provincial Council. The following day, they raised the pressure by installing tractors at the Meeting Plaza between the Heo Baekryeon Gate (East Gate) of the provincial government building and the entrance to the council. Strongly worded banners criticizing Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeonnam Province, were also displayed.

As the conflict dragged on, Jeonnam Province and the provincial council continued additional discussions regarding the rice management stabilization fund. As a result, on the 21st, Jeonnam Province announced that it would restore the previously cut 11.4 billion won in rice management stabilization funds, which had been reduced by 50% in the 2025 revised supplementary budget, by including it again in the 2026 supplementary budget. In effect, the fund has been restored to its previous level.

Yoo Deokgyu, Director of the Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Bureau of Jeonnam Province, stated, "The issue of the rice management stabilization fund, which had been the subject of much misunderstanding and conflict, has been resolved amicably. Regardless of the increase in the public benefit allowance, our principle remains unchanged that we must alleviate the burden on rice farmers, especially as overall agricultural management costs, including machinery, fertilizer, and labor, have risen sharply."

He added, "We will continue to do our utmost to ensure the sustainable growth and development of local agriculture."