The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on the 25th that it has established a dedicated management organization within the ministry to address the recurring issues of agricultural product supply instability and price fluctuations due to the impacts of climate change.
The 'Agricultural and Food Supply Stability Support Team,' established on the 20th, will develop emergency price stabilization measures for agricultural and food products and manage the supply and price trends of major agricultural and food products. It is also tasked with formulating mid- to long-term measures for the stabilization of agricultural product supply.
The support team consists of a total of seven members, including the Director General (Deputy Director or Administrative Officer). Experts can be appointed as advisory members if necessary.
Initially, the support team plans to establish a stabilization plan for horticultural product supply. This year, summer cabbage growth has been poor due to abnormal weather, and last year saw a decrease in the production of fruits such as apples and pears. The aim is to create a response to such deteriorating production conditions. The plan includes data-based observation, securing suitable domestic and international cultivation areas, and enhancing storage capacity.
Additionally, a supply stabilization plan for high-demand products will be developed ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday in January next year.
The support team will operate for six months until June 19 next year, following the regulations for autonomous organizations (temporary organizations at the department level). The operation period can be extended if necessary. A representative from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs noted, "The support team was established to proactively and systematically respond to agricultural and food supply instability and to contribute to food price stabilization."
In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has also established the Global Agricultural Development Promotion Team to effectively carry out official development assistance (ODA) projects in the agricultural sector. This organization was expanded and reorganized from the K-Rice Belt Promotion Team established last year. The Global Agricultural Development Promotion Team is responsible for planning ODA projects, setting related plans, managing performance, and fostering private sector cooperation.
Meanwhile, with this new organization, the number of departments and teams within the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has increased from 58 to 59.