Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Song Mi-ryung stated today (October 7) that the government will "re-examine discussions on joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) from scratch."

Making the remarks in her opening address at the parliamentary audit of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) by the National Assembly's Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee, Minister Song emphasized, "In that process, we will ensure that the sensitivity of the agricultural sector and the need for sufficient supplementary measures are discussed together."

According to the recently released government report on the economic impact analysis of CPTPP membership, joining the agreement is projected to increase real gross domestic product (GDP) by 0.38 percentage points 10 years after the agreement takes effect, and expand manufacturing production by an annual average of up to 6.7 trillion won over the next 15 years. However, market opening is also projected to cause an inevitable reduction in agricultural, forestry, and fisheries production of approximately 850 billion won annually.

Yesterday (October 6), President Lee Jae-myung instructed during a Cabinet meeting to "restart talks from scratch without setting a conclusion in advance or rushing." In response, the Emergency Countermeasure Committee for Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Livestock against CPTPP Membership—comprising 75 organizations from the agricultural, livestock, fisheries, and forestry sectors—has temporarily suspended a rally initially scheduled to be held in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, on October 15.

Regarding the complete nationwide farmland survey and institutional reform, Minister Song emphasized, "The purpose of this survey is to accurately understand the ownership and use status of farmland nationwide, thereby reforming the 30-year-old farmland system to fit changing rural environments such as aging."

She reaffirmed the government's stance that general and customary violations will not be penalized, but rather institutional improvements and legalization will be pursued, while disposition orders will be issued for speculative and illegal use of farmland following an explanation process.

She also stressed, "We will ensure that this survey does not impose a burden on farmers, but instead serves as an opportunity to overhaul unreasonable systems to reflect reality and allow farmers to focus on farming with peace of mind."

In addition, regarding National Agricultural Cooperative Federation (Nonghyup) reforms, she stated, "We will also prepare follow-up reform measures to enhance the practical benefits for farmers and cooperative members, such as vitalizing economic business and strengthening cooperative competitiveness."

Furthermore, regarding plans to stabilize rice supply and demand during the harvest season, Minister Song noted that the price of rice during the lean season (the price of leftover rice before new rice hits the market) stands at 28,419 won per 10 kilograms, which is higher than previous years and normal years. She added, "Based on the expected production volume announcement on October 8, we will closely consult with producer organizations and other stakeholders to prepare supply and demand measures, and carefully manage the situation to ensure stable rice supply and demand during the harvest season."

(Photo: Yonhap News)