The revision of Act on transboundary movement of LMO is sponsored (Korean, WMJ)

http://news.khan.co.kr/kh_news/khan_art_view.html?artid=201307301521461&code=950312

Summary: Kim Seung Nam, a lawmaker from Democratic Unionist Party proposed the revision of Act on transboundary movement of LMO.  Recently, the cases that GMO which isn’t approved to grow legally is imported and is spilled out nature environment in a process of distribution are increasing.  In those case, it can occur gene transfer of nature crop, even can disturb ecosystem.  But there is no relevant regulation on Act on transboundary movement of LMO. 

2. GRAIN & OILSEED ISSUES

Rice surplus in Asia can cause declining international rice price (Korean, WMJ)

http://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2013/08/01/2013080100168.html

Summary: As cultivating season is coming now, rice surplus in Asia will get harder and it can cause steep falling of the international rice price, Wall Street Journal (WSJ) said. The amount of stocks has been increasing for 9 years, and it’s because rice production in Asia increased geometrically. Asian countries not only have proper environment to crop the rice but also their government gives subsidy for protecting farms and takes rice purchase policies. And because of it, the price of rice which is exported from Asia to another country is falling down also.   

3. LIVESTOCK ISSUES

Pork price has been falling down continuously (Korean, WMJ)

http://www.hankyung.com/news/app/newsview.php?aid=2013073013281

Summary:  The pork price shows downward trend due to chronic surplus derived from increasing of the number of sow.  Actually, the number of sow is declining now but the number of piglet goes up, so it is difficult to reduce hog population consequently.  That’s the reason why the price of pork doesn’t get recovered.   

Legislation blocking large company in Pork industry is carried forward by KPPA (Korean, WMJ)

http://www.hankyung.com/news/app/newsview.php?aid=2013073013201

Summary: Korea Pork Producers Association (KPPA) passed a vote for ‘the regulation of launching in pork industry by large company‘ at the board of directors on 25^th July. The key is to add new article that set a limit on large company’s participating in pork industry into stock raising law. If it is legislated, major company which exceeds the scope of small business can’t breed swine and sell pork.  So, many major companies against it as saying it is necessary to enlargement for getting competitiveness.

4. MARKETING ISSUES

HACCP to be Mandated to More Food Processors … Children Confectioneries, Processors over 10 Billion Won Annual Sales [Korean, OSY]

http://www.hankyung.com/news/app/newsview.php?aid=2013073151941

Summary: Ministry of Food & Drugs Safety (MFDS) announced on July 31 that mandated HACCP certification will be expanded to processors of 10 billion won of annual sales or higher by 2017, and to processors of confectioneries for children and OEM (co-packed) products by 2020.  This will add about 9,000 Korean processors to the HACCP system.  Currently 2,255 processors in Korea for seven designated product categories (including fish cakes, frozen food, ice cream, retort food, and Kimchi) are mandated to HACCP certification.