Cheong Wa Dae: "Concerns and misunderstandings over nationwide farmland survey to be addressed; measures to be announced before Chuseok"

[Financial News] Cheong Wa Dae will announce measures before Chuseok to address concerns in the field over the nationwide farmland survey currently being conducted to identify farmland held for speculative purposes and assess how farmland is being used across the country.
A Cheong Wa Dae official said on the 17th regarding the nationwide farmland survey, "The purpose is to identify farmland held for speculative purposes and return it to farmers, accurately assess the state of farmland nationwide, and improve systems and policies to reflect rural realities."
However, the official explained, "Various concerns and anxieties have arisen in the field because there has not been enough explanation and publicity about the survey's purpose and objectives."
The official added, "To dispel concerns and misunderstandings in the field, the government and the ruling party will consult on specific measures and plans for the nationwide survey and announce them before Chuseok."
The farmland survey was launched to uphold the principle that those who farm should own the farmland, prevent farmland from being held for speculative purposes, and improve farmers' efficiency in using farmland. However, concerns have continued to grow that the process could trigger greater opposition and anxiety among farmers, increasing the need for supplementary measures by the government and ruling party. The Democratic Party of Korea's Policy Coordination Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Livestock, Food, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries plans to hold a government-party consultation on the nationwide farmland survey at the National Assembly on the 21st.
Earlier that day, Democratic Party of Korea policy committee chair Kwon Chil-seung said at a policy coordination meeting, "It is true that some farmers are experiencing inconvenience because of the nationwide farmland survey."
He also said, "The results should be used, in line with the survey's original purpose, to punish clear acts of farmland speculation. Minor legal violations resulting from routine farmland use in rural areas should instead be addressed through guidance and institutional improvements," adding, "I urge the government to swiftly prepare measures so that the farmland survey can proceed in this direction."
[email protected] Choi Jong-geun Reporter