Fake News Rides Opposition Attacks on “Farmland and Brazilian Eggs” ... Government Vows Legal Action

[Financial News] The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced plans to respond firmly to fake news on YouTube circulating about the comprehensive farmland survey and Brazilian eggs. It is considering legal action over around 60 malicious online posts and plans to file complaints against three of them for spreading false information and obstructing business.
Byun Sang-mun, the ministry’s spokesperson, said at the Government Sejong Complex on the 19th, “There are posts (containing fake news) claiming that the imports of Brazilian eggs are ‘intended to provide campaign funds for the Brazilian president,’ and that the farmland survey is ‘aimed at nationalizing farmland,’ among other things.” He added, “The social turmoil caused by people encountering false information is becoming serious, and the situation is such that we can no longer turn a blind eye.”
Opposition lawmakers recently raised concerns about the comprehensive farmland survey and imports of Brazilian eggs during a parliamentary audit. Most lawmakers acknowledged the need for the survey but argued that it had “heightened farmers’ anxiety.” Opposition lawmakers also said Brazilian eggs had been imported at higher prices than eggs from other countries, wasting public funds. Critics also claimed the imports had been pushed through recklessly to secure diplomatic gains from the South Korea-Brazil summit. Posts distorting these arguments are spreading on social media.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs recently explained the imports of Brazilian eggs, saying, “The aim is to secure stable sources of supply. This is a pilot-level introduction, accounting for 0.8% of total import volume,” and adding, “The imports were pursued to secure a stable source of supply in advance in the Southern Hemisphere, where the seasons are opposite, in preparation for the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).” In July, 1.12 million Brazilian eggs were imported for 1.6 billion won. The cost of purchasing the eggs locally was 200 million won. The rest included around 1.1 billion won in air freight and around 300 million won in tariffs.
[email protected] Choi Yong-jun, Agriculture Correspondent Reporter