Government Complex in Sejong City, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. 2023.10.13
As concerns rise over supply instability of agricultural products due to heavy rainfall and high temperatures this summer, the South Korean government announced it will activate a Summer Agricultural Supply Stabilization Task Force starting on the 15th. The government also plans to supply 2,100 tons of cabbage and radishes to stabilize prices.
On June 4, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs held a special task force meeting at the Government Seoul Complex to discuss measures for stabilizing agricultural and marine product supplies in anticipation of summer heat and rain.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, this summer is expected to be warmer and wetter than usual. The average summer temperature over the past decade has been recorded at 24.6 degrees Celsius, and this year may exceed that average. Rainfall is likely to be particularly heavy in June and July.
These climate forecasts raise concerns about poor crop growth and decreased productivity in livestock. Prolonged high temperatures could lead to calcium deficiency in crops, sunburn, and reduced egg-laying rates in poultry.
In August 2024, cabbage prices surged by 90% compared to the previous year due to high temperatures. In 2023, 100,000 laying hens and broilers died from the heat.
In response, the Ministry of Agriculture will collaborate with the Rural Development Administration, the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation, and the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) to monitor crop conditions closely and respond swiftly to any signs of crisis starting on the 15th.
Key items for supply management will include cabbage, radishes, pork, chicken, and eggs, with ongoing monitoring of growth and production trends. Proactive measures will be implemented to ensure stability in these products.
Additionally, the government plans to use 2,100 tons of stored cabbage (1,500 tons) and radishes (600 tons) and 7,000 tons from supply adjustment facilities to respond to decreased shipments. They will also encourage an expansion of cultivation areas for shipments after September through advance purchasing contracts.
To prepare for potential egg price increases, the government will diversify import sources from the United States, Thailand, and Brazil, importing and supplying 31.23 million fresh eggs. Furthermore, they will prioritize the import of 11 million hatching eggs by the end of this month and will gradually import and supply the remaining quantities.
The government is also considering special discount support during the summer vacation period based on the supply and price situation of agricultural products and plans to work with self-help organizations to reduce delivery prices.
In light of concerns over rising sea temperatures, comprehensive measures against high temperatures and red tide will be implemented. The government will expand real-time sea temperature monitoring networks and enhance information sharing while distributing the largest-ever supply of high-temperature response equipment, including liquefied oxygen supply devices. Simultaneously, they will promote seafood consumption to encourage early shipments before high-temperature deaths occur.
On June 4, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs held a special task force meeting at the Government Seoul Complex to discuss measures for stabilizing agricultural and marine product supplies in anticipation of summer heat and rain.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, this summer is expected to be warmer and wetter than usual. The average summer temperature over the past decade has been recorded at 24.6 degrees Celsius, and this year may exceed that average. Rainfall is likely to be particularly heavy in June and July.
These climate forecasts raise concerns about poor crop growth and decreased productivity in livestock. Prolonged high temperatures could lead to calcium deficiency in crops, sunburn, and reduced egg-laying rates in poultry.
In August 2024, cabbage prices surged by 90% compared to the previous year due to high temperatures. In 2023, 100,000 laying hens and broilers died from the heat.
In response, the Ministry of Agriculture will collaborate with the Rural Development Administration, the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation, and the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) to monitor crop conditions closely and respond swiftly to any signs of crisis starting on the 15th.
Key items for supply management will include cabbage, radishes, pork, chicken, and eggs, with ongoing monitoring of growth and production trends. Proactive measures will be implemented to ensure stability in these products.
Additionally, the government plans to use 2,100 tons of stored cabbage (1,500 tons) and radishes (600 tons) and 7,000 tons from supply adjustment facilities to respond to decreased shipments. They will also encourage an expansion of cultivation areas for shipments after September through advance purchasing contracts.
To prepare for potential egg price increases, the government will diversify import sources from the United States, Thailand, and Brazil, importing and supplying 31.23 million fresh eggs. Furthermore, they will prioritize the import of 11 million hatching eggs by the end of this month and will gradually import and supply the remaining quantities.
The government is also considering special discount support during the summer vacation period based on the supply and price situation of agricultural products and plans to work with self-help organizations to reduce delivery prices.
In light of concerns over rising sea temperatures, comprehensive measures against high temperatures and red tide will be implemented. The government will expand real-time sea temperature monitoring networks and enhance information sharing while distributing the largest-ever supply of high-temperature response equipment, including liquefied oxygen supply devices. Simultaneously, they will promote seafood consumption to encourage early shipments before high-temperature deaths occur.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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