President Lee: “We will move forward on key issues such as farmland reform and the CPTPP, incorporating voices from the field”

[Financial News] On the 11th, the 31st Farmers’ Day, President Lee Jae Myung said, “We will pursue key issues such as farmland reform, agricultural cooperative reform, and the CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership), faithfully incorporating voices from the field into policy so that our efforts can benefit farmers.”
In a post he uploaded to X (formerly Twitter) that day, President Lee wrote, “I offer my deep gratitude and respect to farmers across the country who have quietly worked the land and safeguarded the nation’s food supply despite difficult conditions.”
Regarding the CPTPP, President Lee instructed on the 8th of last month that South Korea not apply to join within the year, saying that rebuilding trust with farmers and fishers and holding sufficient dialogue should come first. At the time, he also urged the relevant ministries to listen fully to the voices of farmers and fishers and continue dialogue rather than set a deadline.
President Lee stressed, “A country that looks down on agriculture will struggle to prosper,” and, “Agriculture is now the foundation of food security and a strategic industry for the nation.” He went on to say, “Protecting the roots of agriculture, a future bioindustry, is tantamount to protecting the future of the Republic of Korea.”
Regarding the government’s agricultural policies, he explained, “We passed legislation on agriculture and people’s livelihoods that had been vetoed under the previous administration, and are making various efforts, including to normalize rice prices.” He added, “We have also introduced policies to expand the rural income base through Rural Basic Income and Sunlight Income Village.”
He also mentioned the difficulties farmers face as prices of key products, including vegetables and fruit, have recently fallen. President Lee said, “We will do our utmost to stabilize agricultural product prices and farm incomes by balancing supply and demand and promoting consumption.”
He pledged, “The government will provide responsible support to ensure farmers earn a fair income commensurate with their hard work and that the value of agriculture is properly recognized. We will build a country where farmers can farm without worry and the public can consume with confidence.”

[email protected] Choi Jong-geun Reporter