Today's Date:   Friday January 18, 2013

1. LIVESTOCK ISSUES

“Low price of Pork continues, can be recovered around March..” [Korean: BYY]

http://www.nongmin.com/article/ar_detail.htm?ar_id=212394&subMenu=articletotal

Summary: With Korean lunar new year(sul-nal) season and markets` securing livestock products gift sets supply, the price of beef is boosting, while pork still remains on low price. Professionals prospect that even if sul-nal`s handing presents season has come, with the number of farming pigs and market shipment keep increasing recently, only at the time of schools` start days, around March can be recovered its proper price. 

2. OTHER MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES

Ministry of Strategy & Finance Loosens up standards for liquor production facilities, such as whisky, brandy, etc.  [Korean: BYK]

http://www.foodnews.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=43400

Summary: The Ministry of Strategy & Finance released a draft proposal on January 18 that would loosen up the requirement for receiving liquor sales license and liquor production standards.  Such plan is to induce investment in whisky and brandy production facilities.

Revive the “Food” function in MIFAFF and change it to Ministry for Agriculture, Forestry, Livestock and Food.” [Korean: BYK]

http://www.foodnews.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=43392

Summary: The agricultural food industry and relevant associations all joined their voice in asking the transition committee opposing its plan to drop the food section from MIFAFF.  The agricultural sector is strongly opposing such plan and even the political segment is showing negative reactions to such plan.

“Rapid climate changes, a risk of food safety followed.”  [Korean: BYY]

http://www.fnnews.com/view?ra=Sent0901m_View&corp=fnnews&arcid=201301160100147950008241&cDateYear=2013&cDateMonth=01&cDateDay=16

Summary : Food Safety researchers of Climate Change Response Division suggested there is a possibility on rising food-poisoning parasite and mold creation at Open Safety Forum, held in Fiber Center on 16th.  Food engineering professor of Joong-ang University pointed out, “As a rise in temperature, polluted germ, parasite, virus, mycotoxin, shellfish-toxin will be increased, and more use of agricultural pesticide and medical supply for livestock can be followed.

3. MIFAFF PRESS RELEASES

►    According to MIFAFF, a total of 596.7 billion won was provided to farmers and fishermen as insurance against natural disaster in 2012.

►    MIFAFF in conjunction with the National Hanwoo Association, to sell Hanwoo beef at discounted prices during lunar new year holidays

4. aT PUBLIC NOTICE OF STATE TRADING

►    Public Auction Notice for Import Right of Butter, Ginseng and Fresh Potatoes under KORUS FTA