FAS/Seoul Monitoring of Media Reporting on Agricultural Issues 

Today's Date: Friday,  May 16,  2025

For Coverage:  May 9  ~  16,  2025

Korean rice sells out in Japan — Even Japanese agricultural cooperatives join the sales drive
https://www.donga.com/news/Economy/article/all/20250516/131616255/2
Korean rice is gaining popularity in Japan, with shipments consistently selling out soon after arrival; 10 tons exported earlier this month sold out in just 10 days, following a similar sell-out of 2 tons last month. Due to rising rice prices in Japan, consumers are turning to Korean rice, which is about 10% cheaper and considered high quality. Notably, Japan’s own agricultural cooperative (JA) has begun selling Korean rice for the first time in its 71-year history, signaling growing acceptance and expanded distribution channels for Korean rice in Japan and beyond.

"Struggling to survive" – Korean cattle farmers, while the agricultural cooperative says, "We’re struggling too" amid rising feed costs
https://www.hankyung.com/article/202505155435i
Hanwoo cattle farmers are struggling, with reports showing an average net loss of 1.7 million won (about $1,250) per head of cattle. This has been driven by falling cattle prices and rising feed costs. The burden on farmers is expected to worsen, as NongHyup Feed, the country’s largest feed supplier, is planning yet another price increase.  According to the National Hanwoo Association on the 15th, NongHyup Feed has decided to raise the price of all types of livestock feed by 15 KRW per kilogram starting on the 19th.

Korea Rice Industry Association launched… Plans to establish a voluntary rice fund 
https://www.nongmin.com/article/20250514500679
With the launch of the Korea Rice Industry Association, the establishment of a voluntary rice fund centered on Rice Processing Complexes (RPCs) has taken its first step.  The Korea Rice Industry Association held its inaugural general meeting on the 13th at the OCC Osong Convention Center in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province.  During the meeting, new executives were elected, and the association's bylaws and future business plans were reviewed and approved.

Chungju apple farm reports first case of orchard fire blight this year... Emergency control measures in place
https://www.nongmin.com/article/20250513500218
The first case of orchard fire blight this year has been reported in an apple farm in Chungju, North Chungcheong Province, raising concerns for both pest control authorities and apple farmers. The Rural Development Administration (RDA) confirmed on the 13th that, as of 6 p.m. on the 12th, the first case of orchard fire blight had been identified in one apple farm in Chungju. The affected farm spans 0.62 hectares.  During a routine inspection, a staff member from the Chungju Agricultural Technology Center conducted a rapid test on the morning of the 12th, which showed a positive result.

Gyeonggi Province’s Gapyeong rice and mushrooms make their debut in the United States
https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20250513099600060?section=industry/agriculture
Gapyeong County in Gyeonggi Province announced on May 13^th that rice and mushrooms produced in the region will be exported to the U.S. market for the first time with the support of Korea Gyeonggido Company and Gyeonggi Government Trade Corporation.  These products will be sold at Korean grocery stores in New York and New Jersey.  Gapyeong County, which previously exported its local specialty products, pine nuts and their processed foods, to the U.S. last year, plans to gradually increase the volume of exports if the initial response for the products is favorable.

Era of 1% potential growth becomes reality for Korea as OECD revises forecast downward
https://www.joongang.co.kr/article/25335280
The OECD has joined domestic institutions like KDI in forecasting that South Korea’s potential GDP growth rate will fall to the 1% range in 2025, marking the first time since 1986 the rate has dropped below 2%. South Korea’s decline in potential growth over the past decade is one of the steepest among OECD countries, driven largely by demographic challenges such as a shrinking and aging workforce. Experts warn that without major structural reforms, Korea’s economic engine could effectively stall within two decades.

Convenience store sales decline for first time in 12 years; Operating profit drops over 30% amid economic slump
https://www.donga.com/news/Economy/article/all/20250511/131580856/2
Convenience store sales in South Korea declined in Q1 2025 for the first time in 12 years, falling 0.4% year-on-year, due to market saturation and a severe domestic economic slowdown. Operating profits of major chains like GS25 and CU dropped over 30%, highlighting the sector's vulnerability to weakening consumer sentiment, especially as convenience stores rely heavily on impulse purchases. To cope, companies are shifting strategies by opening larger stores, relocating to better sites, and focusing on quality over quantity in new store openings.

Domestic pork belly prices up 7% in a year, while beef remains below average
https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20250509103200030?input=1195m
In April, the average consumer price of domestic pork belly in Korea rose by 6.8% year-on-year and was 7.9% higher than the three-year average, driven by increased demand and rising prices of imported pork due to global supply issues and a strong dollar. Prices for other pork cuts and eggs also increased, while domestic chicken prices fell slightly and domestic beef prices remained weak due to ample supply. The Korean government is monitoring livestock prices closely and has asked importers and retailers to cooperate with its price stabilization efforts.

Wildfire emitted 7.64 million tons of greenhouse gases
https://www.nongmin.com/article/20250507500711
Greenhouse gas emissions from wildfires in the Yeongnam region this March have been confirmed to amount to 7.64 million tons of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂eq).  On the 7th, the National Institute of Forest Science announced these findings after calculating the greenhouse gas emissions based on the area affected by the wildfires in the Yeongnam region.  The 7.64 million tons of greenhouse gases is equivalent to the amount emitted by 71.75 million mid-sized cars making a round trip between Seoul and Busan (800 km).