Minister Song Mi-ryeong met with members of the Democratic Party of Korea on the 27th and noted, “We will improve not only the key bills but all policies and bills to align with the new government's governance philosophy while accommodating the needs on the ground to enhance the government's agricultural policy achievements.”
On the same day, Minister Song attended a party-government meeting hosted by a member of the Democratic Party of Korea who is on the Agriculture. Food. Rural Affairs. Oceans. and Fisheries Committee (Agriculture. Ocean and Fisheries Committee) at the National Assembly and made these remarks.
In particular, regarding the Grain Management Act and the Act on the Distribution and Price Stabilization of Agricultural and Fishery Products (Agricultural Act), she stated, “We concluded to supplement the move to strengthen production adjustments to prevent excessive production and price drops, rather than post-purchase measures that buy all surplus agricultural products.” This clearly shows the intention to shift the policy direction from ‘post-purchase’ to ‘pre-defense.’
Regarding the Disaster Response Act and the Disaster Insurance Act, she said, “In light of the increasing climate crisis leading to frequent disasters, we will enhance the substantial safety net for farming households.” She also expressed the stance to promote both easing the management burden on farms and advancing the industry regarding the Essential Agricultural Materials Support Act and the Korean Beef Act.
Minister Song added, “The new government's governance philosophy of food security, farm income, and disaster response must be aligned while ensuring that policy implementation is sustainable and can effectively produce results on the ground.”
Commissioner Eo Gi-gu, chairperson of the Agriculture. Ocean and Fisheries Committee, stated, “There is great expectation in rural areas and among farmers for the Lee Jae-myung government, but with Minister Song remaining, farmer organizations are concerned that this might bring over the policies of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration.” He added that he wants to confirm the stance of Minister Song's second term in the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs and hold open discussions to alleviate various concerns.