Government to Stabilize Supply of Cabbage and Radishes Amid Summer Heat and Rain Concerns

As concerns grow over supply instability for agricultural products due to expected heavy rains and high temperatures this summer, the South Korean government announced it will activate a Summer Agricultural Supply Stabilization Task Force starting on June 15. The government also plans to supply 21,000 tons of stored 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 the "Measures for Stabilizing Agricultural and Marine Products Supply in Preparation for 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 could exceed that average. Rainfall is likely to be particularly high 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, high temperatures caused cabbage prices to rise by 90% compared to the previous year. In 2023, heat resulted in the deaths of 100,000 laying hens and broilers.

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 and respond swiftly to any signs of crisis starting June 15.

Key items for supply management, including cabbage, radishes, pork, chicken, and eggs, will be closely monitored for growth and production trends, with proactive measures taken to stabilize their supply.

Additionally, the government plans to use 21,000 tons of stored cabbage and radishes (15,000 tons of cabbage and 6,000 tons of radishes) and 7,000 tons from shipment control facilities to address potential decreases in supply. They will also encourage an increase in planting area for shipments after September through advance purchase contracts.

To counter rising egg prices, the government will diversify import sources, bringing in 31.23 million fresh eggs from the United States, Thailand, and Brazil. Furthermore, by the end of this month, they will prioritize importing 11 million hatching eggs and will gradually import the remaining quantities.

The government is also considering special discount support during the summer vacation season 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 scale of high-temperature response equipment, including liquefied oxygen supply devices. Simultaneously, they will promote seafood consumption to encourage early harvesting before high-temperature deaths occur.