1. LIVESTOCK ISSUES

Warning for Invasion of the Korean Dining Table by U.S. Beef [Korean: BYK]

http://economy.hankooki.com/lpage/society/201112/e20111213173446117920.htm

Summary: Despite the fact that imports of U.S. beef is continuously increasing, the Korean government is not doing anything to help the Korean cattle farmers.  With the KORUS FTA almost ready to be implemented, imports of U.S. beef continue to surge, marking 90,569 MT in 2010.  As U.S. beef imports increase, the market share of domestic beef continues to drop from 47.6% in 2008 to 43.2% in 2010. 

Korean Government plans a TRQ of 50,000 MT for pork imports in 2012 [Korean: BYK]

http://www.nongmin.com/article/ar_detail.htm?ar_id=196481&subMenu=articletotal

Summary: The Korean government plans to allocate a TRQ of 50,000 MT for pork imports in 2012.  Such measure is being planned to control the inflation.  A MIFAFF official explained that they were in the process of reviewing whether they should allocate such TRQ quota for 2012 and that final decision would be made by the end of this month.  Such measure is being considered as the domestic pork prices have remained relatively strong in recent months and as the shortage in domestic pork supply is expected to continue at least up to February 2012.

Another case of FMD suspect turns out to be negative [Korean: BYK]

http://www.ytn.co.kr/_ln/0102_201112141151429115

Summary: Another suspected case of FMD in Andong turns out to be negative.

Jeju Labor Union state that the laborers will lead the movement for nullifying the KORUS FTA [Korean: BYK]

http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=102&oid=003&aid=0004241482

Summary: Some of the members of Jeju Democratic Labor Union members held a press conference and stated that they would take the lead in nullifying the KORUS FTA and pressuring President MB Lee to step down and the dissolution of the Grand National Party.

2. MIFAFF PRESS RELEASES

► Jeju Fishermen Association selects 4 villages where there was no illegal fishing

► MIFAFF establishes committee to discuss the efficiency in R&D for the livestock sector

► Korea and China begin discussion at the private level on how to prevent illegal fishing by Chinese fishermen

► “Red clay bamboo salt” chosen as this year’s most innovative product

► The fund for agriculture and food succeeds in gathering 230 billion won

► MIFAFF Minister give awards to the youngsters living in the rural area

► MIFAFF Vice Minister holds breakfast meeting with exporters of agricultural products

► Korea successfully develop technology for reducing green house gas.