FAS/Seoul Monitoring of Media Reporting on Agricultural Issues 

Today's Date: Friday,  August  1,  2025

For Coverage:  July  25  ~  August 1,  2025

Did Korea Protect Rice and Beef at the Cost of Other Concessions? The Truth Behind Trump’s ‘Full Agricultural Market Opening’ Claim
https://n.news.naver.com/article/009/0005534460?cds=news_media_pc&type=editn
During the U.S.-Korea tariff negotiations, President Trump claimed that South Korea agreed to fully open its agricultural market, but Korean officials denied this, stressing that no additional concessions were made on rice or beef due to their importance for food security and domestic agriculture. The discrepancy between Trump’s statement and the Korean government's position has raised concerns about possible future U.S. pressure to ease non-tariff barriers and expand agricultural imports.

Apple and Potato Import Pressure… Trump Urges ‘Korea to Open Its Agricultural Market’
https://www.donga.com/news/Economy/article/all/20250801/132110797/2
South Korea blocked further openings of rice and beef markets, but President Trump claimed Korea has opened its agricultural market, raising expectations for future import expansions. While Korea plans to improve quarantine procedures for products like apples, peaches, and genetically modified potatoes, officials emphasize that these processes will not be simplified or bypassed, viewing Trump’s comments as political rhetoric.

Agricultural Products Excluded from Korea–U.S. Trade Talks
https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20250731128951030?section=industry/agriculture
Korea’s Presidential Office announced on the 31st that, in consideration of food security and the sensitivity of Korea’s agricultural sector, the domestic rice and beef markets will not be further opened as part of the trade negotiations with the United States. It was reported that Korean officials persuaded the U.S. side by highlighting the political and emotional sensitivity surrounding agricultural market liberalization, even showing photos from the 2008 protests over mad cow disease. However, the agricultural sector has expressed concerns about potential market openings for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and apples in the follow-up negotiations that still lie ahead.

Farm gate rice prices hit the highest level in 1 year and 9 months
https://www.hankyung.com/article/202507290008i
The prices of staple crops are showing strength. The farm gate price of rice hit its highest level in 1 year and 9 months, pushing retail rice prices above 60,000 won. Retail prices for glutinous rice and potatoes are also exceeding last year's levels. Although domestic soybean prices are lower than last year, the industry voices concerns about a shortage of inexpensive imported soybeans.

U.S. Beef Prices Hit Record High — A Potential Factor in Tariff Negotiations?
https://www.nongmin.com/article/20250728500521
U.S. retail beef prices have hit record highs, raising doubts about the effectiveness of America's push to expand beef exports through tariff negotiations, including those with South Korea. The price surge is driven by a prolonged drought that reduced cattle herds to their lowest level since 1951, along with halted imports of feeder cattle from Mexico due to pest concerns. Experts predict high U.S. beef prices will persist for at least two more years, making the country increasingly reliant on beef imports and potentially weakening its negotiating position in international trade talks.

All Four Agricultural Bills Revived — But Some Call It a Step Backward
https://www.nongmin.com/article/20250729500369
On July 29, two key agricultural bills—the Grain Management Act revision and the Agricultural Products Distribution and Price Stabilization Act revision—were passed by a National Assembly committee, marking the revival of all four major agricultural bills previously vetoed under the last administration. The new laws aim to stabilize rice and crop prices through mechanisms like government purchases during oversupply and compensation when market prices fall below a set standard, although some farmer groups and critics argue the revisions are weaker than earlier proposals. The government defends the changes as practical steps toward responsible agricultural policy, while critics raise concerns about missing provisions on imported rice and reduced clarity in price-setting standards.

Korea-U.S. Tariff Negotiations Once Again Force Sacrifice on the Agricultural Sector… Will Take to the Streets Repeatedly
https://www.nongmin.com/article/20250728500673
South Korean farmers protested in Seoul against further opening of the agricultural and livestock markets in U.S.-Korea tariff negotiations, condemning the government’s lack of communication and repeated sacrifices of the sector in trade deals. Lawmakers from multiple parties supported the protests, calling for the protection of food sovereignty and opposing imports like U.S. beef from cattle over 30 months old.

Heatwaves and Heavy Rains Put Chuseok Apples, Winter Strawberries at Risk
https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20250725080500030?section=economy/all\
Frequent heatwaves and heavy rains are causing concerns over smaller, lower-quality apples and pears for the upcoming Chuseok gift season due to cold damage, heavy rainfall, and sunburn. Winter strawberry production is also at risk from recent flooding in major growing areas, likely delaying harvests and increasing prices, leading retailers to seek alternative sources and expand smart farm cultivation.

RDA Opens ‘Northern Horticulture Research Station’ in Cheorwon… Focus on Climate Change Response
https://www.nongmin.com/article/20250723500775
A government horticulture research facility has been established in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province, an area previously considered unsuitable for growing horticultural crops. This move is seen as a demonstration of renewed commitment to research on horticultural crops in response to climate change such as global warming. On the 23rd, the Rural Development Administration (RDA) held an opening ceremony at the Northern Horticulture Research Station of the National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, located in Galmal-eup, Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon Province.