Minister Song Mi-ryung said regarding the amendment to the Grain Management Act, “We will proceed in a direction that aligns with the philosophy of the new administration.” Having been appointed as Minister under both the Yoon Suk-yeol and Lee Jae-myung administrations, Minister Song expressed regret over past controversial remarks and revealed her willingness to redesign policies.
On the 23rd, Minister Song said during a general meeting of the Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans, and Fisheries Committee that while she agrees with the basic intent of the amendment to the Grain Act, she will discuss it with lawmakers in a manner that does not lead to negative side effects.
This was in response to a question from Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Joo Cheol-hyun regarding whether she would suggest another veto if the Grain Act amendment, which had its veto exercised during the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, passes the National Assembly again under this government.
The Grain Act amendment contains provisions for the government to compulsorily purchase excess rice production when the price of rice falls below a certain level. The Yoon Suk-yeol administration exercised its veto twice, claiming that the law would encourage excess rice production and increase financial burdens.
In response to a further inquiry about whether she would change her thoughts to align with the president’s philosophy, Minister Song reiterated, “I believe we must naturally align with the national philosophy, but I also think there should not be negative side effects.”
She noted that he had previously referred to the Grain Act and the Agricultural and Fisheries Price Stabilization Act as “the Act of Agricultural Loss” and added, “I remember having apologized for the problematic expression already.”
In a statement released that day, Minister Song said, “I feel a heavy sense of responsibility for being reappointed as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs,” and added, “At a time when change and innovation in agriculture and rural areas are necessary, I will dedicate myself more to the happiness of farmers and the people.”
She emphasized, “I will actively reassess the policies and bills that have been contentious to align with the new government’s national philosophy,” adding, “I will pursue new government agricultural policies with a determination to completely renew ourselves.”