Minister Song Mi-ryeong said, "While the agricultural sector was in a considerably difficult situation during the Korea-U.S. trade cooperation negotiations, the negotiations were completed without additional openings for sensitive rice and beef items," adding, "This part has been well defended."
On the 7th, Minister Song said at a press briefing, "The government has agreed to not further open agriculture for now," noting, "Since we don't know when demands will arise again, we have avoided a downpour but must continue to prepare; this is the lesson from this negotiation."
The government will establish the 'US Desk,' a dedicated channel for U.S. affairs within the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, to strengthen trade responses. Minister Song noted, "Currently, quarantine officials are divided by continent, and the North American office is in charge of the U.S.; we will operate the US Desk by creating a consolidation point here," adding, "We will also enhance the scientific precision of quarantine responses by utilizing artificial intelligence (AI)."
Furthermore, Minister Song explained, "The statement that the opening rate under the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is 99.7% means that out of the total 11,923 items based on the entire HS code, all but 35 sensitive items have been opened," continuing, "For agricultural products, of the total 1,591 items, all but 35 will have tariffs eliminated gradually by 2031, ultimately reaching a level of 97.8%." He added, "The 35 sensitive items still maintain tariffs."
Regarding the possibility of expanded imports of U.S. fruits and vegetables due to shortened quarantine procedures, Minister Song emphasized, "Quarantine must follow eight steps according to the Plant Protection Act and international commitments, so shortening is impossible," stating, "Due to the need for expertise at each stage, including checking pest lists, submitting risk management plans, conducting local investigations, and gathering opinions from domestic producer groups, efficiencies cannot be gained simply by speeding up one side."
He explained, "Even for apple quarantines, the U.S. has been stuck at stage two for 30 years, expressing discontent; however, all procedures are carried out scientifically, making simplification difficult," also saying, "But we intend to improve the efficiency of quarantine through enhanced communication and the introduction of AI technology."
Regarding items requested for import by the U.S., Minister Song explained, "Potatoes from 11 states are currently at stage six of quarantine, while products from 22 states have already been opened. The impact on the market is expected to be limited because there is not much difference in price and quality competitiveness between our potatoes and theirs."
He further remarked, "Discussions are also ongoing regarding U.S. nectarines and cherries," adding, "For items that will see market openings, we will closely examine whether there is any damage to farming households and prepare measures to minimize harm."
In response to concerns that U.S. origin verification has increased burdens on export corporations, Minister Song said, "We are creating a one-stop support channel at the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) and collaborating with the Customs Service," explaining, "There have been criticisms that the previous channels for companies to consult on individual issues were inadequate, so we have decided to establish a system that can respond immediately." He added, "I will meet with export corporations around August or September to directly hear their difficulties and develop additional support plans."
During the meeting, there was also an explanation about the Grain Management Act. Minister Song stated, "While the issue with the Grain Act is referred to as 'mandatory legislation for surplus rice,' I want to change its name to 'appropriate rice balance management law,'" adding, "Previously, it was focused on post-processing, but from now on, the biggest change will be shifting to pre-supply adjustments."
He stated, "Laws that excessively raise the level of guarantees are realistically difficult to enforce, so we have organized the law in a direction that enhances sustainability," adding, "We will create an enforcement decree in the future and ensure stable implementation of the system while continuously communicating with agricultural groups and the National Assembly."
Regarding concerns about instability in agricultural supply due to heavy rains and heat waves, he mentioned, "Currently, the problematic items in supply are mainly watermelon and cabbage."
Minister Song noted, "While watermelon is at the end of its shipping period, cabbage may be affected by summer crops until the kimjang season, making storage quantity and supply adjustments important," adding, "The price of cabbage is lower than last year but higher than average, yet thanks to the storage quantity and the efforts of farmers, we expect to manage through without incident."
Minister Song also introduced plans for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Food Security Ministers' Meeting and the Korea-China-Japan Agricultural Ministers' Meeting, stating, "We will emphasize innovative elements such as K-food and smart farms," adding, "The government as a whole views this as an event as important as the Olympics."