The government is expanding the supply and discount support for essential goods ahead of Chuseok to alleviate the burden of grocery prices. The supply of pears, a key seasonal item, will be increased to 3.5 times the usual amount, with 149 billion won allocated to provide discounts of up to 40% on agricultural products.
On September 12, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Song Mi-ryeong visited the Anseong Agricultural Product Distribution Center (APC) and Lotte Mart in Anseong to check on the supply, distribution, and price trends of Chuseok essentials.
After observing the sorting and shipping of pears at the APC, Minister Song urged, "Please ensure that there are no disruptions in the supply of essential goods leading up to the holiday."
In preparation for increased demand during Chuseok, the Ministry of Agriculture has expanded the supply of pears to 146,000 tons by utilizing contracted cultivation and designated shipping volumes, which is 3.5 times the normal supply.
The supply of fruit gift sets will also be increased. The quantity of discounted gift sets, which include medium-sized apples and pears as well as alternative fruits like Shine Muscat grapes and various citrus fruits, will rise from 150,000 last year to 230,000 this year, marking an increase of about 53%.
This year's pear harvest is expected to be relatively stable. An official from the Anseong APC stated, "The growth condition and yield of pears, as well as the proportion of large fruits, are maintaining levels similar to previous years, so there should be no issues with supplying goods during the Chuseok peak season."
In addition to increasing supply, the government is also implementing large-scale discount support. The Ministry of Agriculture is investing 149 billion won to promote discounts on agricultural products for Chuseok. From now until September 30, consumers can purchase essential goods at discounts of up to 40% at large and small supermarkets, eco-friendly stores, direct sales outlets, and online malls.
Traditional markets will also offer discount benefits. From September 16 to 20, 300 traditional markets nationwide will refund 30% of the purchase amount for domestic agricultural products, up to 20,000 won per person, in the form of Onnuri gift certificates.
Minister Song also visited Lotte Mart in Anseong to review the status of agricultural product supply and the implementation of discount support initiatives.
Minister Song stated, "Through the expansion of essential goods supply and discount events, we aim to reduce the burden on consumers while increasing the consumption of our agricultural products. We will closely monitor the supply and distribution inventory of key essential goods with relevant agencies and focus all efforts on alleviating the burden on consumers."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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