Today's Date:  Friday, June 01, 2012

1. LIVESTOCK ISSUES

Consumer Groups Ask for Suspension of U.S. Beef Imports [Korean: BYK]

http://news1.kr/photos/154958

Summary: A consumer group protested in front of the Sejong Cultural Center, located across the U.S. Embassy.  They asked for suspension of U.S. beef imports and revisions to the Act for Prevention of Epidemic Livestock Diseases.

People’s Coalition for the Surveillance of BSE Risk submit petition for suspension of U.S. beef imports [Korean: BYK]

http://www.newspim.com/view.jsp?newsId=20120531000642

Summary: The People’s Coalition for the Surveillance of BSE Risk submitted a petition to the National Assembly asking for suspension of U.S. beef imports and renegotiation of the import protocol.  The petition was submitted on the day that the 19^th National Assembly term began.  Assemblyman Jae Chun Choi of Democratic United Party and Assemblyman Won Suk Park of the United Progressive Party introduced the petition.  These two assemblymen stated that they would submit a request for an official Assembly resolution.  Assemblyman Choi stated, “The United States suspended imports of various types of shell fish that the Koreans are continuing to enjoy and is not allowing the import of samgyetang stating that it is risky.  The United States itself is showing how risky it is to state that Koreans should not worry as the Americans are enjoying it.  The quarantine sovereignty is relative and can be different among different countries.”

2. MARKETING ISSUES

107 Restaurants and Retail Stores Indicted for Selling American Beef as Australian or Local Beef [Korean, OSY]

http://news.donga.com/Society/3/03/20120601/46673844/1

Summary: National Ag Quality Management Office reported on May 31 that its recent market audit found violation of COO labeling rule on imported beef in 107 restaurants and retail stores.  Most of the violations were labeling American beef as Australian or local beef.

City of Seoul to Promote ‘City Farms’ [Korean, OSY]

http://news.donga.com/Society/3/03/20120601/46674005/1

Summary: City of Seoul is planning to develop a policy initiative that will promote farming in the city.  Part of the plan intends to achieve 3.3 square meter space per each family in the city in the long run.