President Lee Jae-myung and Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryeong have voiced unanimous support through social media platform X for expanding domestic agricultural subsidies, pointing out that as of last year, South Korean farms received per-farm subsidies at only one-fifth the level of the European Union and half that of Japan.

Based on statements from government officials on the 18th, Minister Song disclosed detailed information about farm subsidy status discussed in a work report on July 16th through her X account on July 17th. According to data presented by Minister Song, last year South Korean farms received 5.19 million won in agricultural subsidies per farm, significantly lower than the EU's 25.8 million won (based on 2023) and Japan's 9.67 million won (based on 2024). The ratio of subsidies to agricultural income was also notably lower in South Korea at 30.7% compared to the EU's 49.4% and Japan's 62.7%. These figures starkly demonstrate how poorly South Korean agriculture is supported compared to developed nations.

Minister Song's post became an opportunity for public discussion of the agricultural subsidy issue, with President Lee immediately responding to show the government's strong commitment to implementation. President Lee cited the minister's post and defined agriculture as "a very important national security strategic industry," emphasizing that "agricultural subsidies must be increased to protect food security and revitalize rural areas, agriculture, and farmers." This is evaluated as demonstrating the government's formation of policy consensus through transparent communication.

[사진=연합뉴스]

President Lee's remarks go beyond simply increasing agricultural income, containing the government's firm vision to reestablish agriculture's status as a "national security strategic industry" protecting the nation's foundation. He presented expanded agricultural subsidies as a key policy tool not only for strengthening food security but also for revitalizing the increasingly sluggish rural areas and improving farmers' quality of life.

In particular, specific mention was also made of realistic funding sources for subsidy expansion. President Lee disclosed that "special taxes on rural and fishing areas are surging due to stock market activation, making sufficient funding available," suggesting financial capacity. He also stressed the importance of supporting sectors affected by market opening as an open trading nation, expressing the government's determination to protect domestic agriculture within a free trade system.

President Lee Jae-myung conveyed a message of gratitude to Minister Song Mi-ryeong and officials at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, once again emphasizing the government's strong will and continuity regarding the promotion of agricultural subsidy expansion policy. The fact that the president and minister have publicly formed strong consensus on expanding agricultural subsidies through social media demonstrates the government's firm commitment to strengthening food security and revitalizing rural areas. Expectations are rising for policy implementation to bring agricultural subsidies closer to developed nation levels based on funds secured through stock market activation and to minimize damage from market opening.