S.Korea's farmers beg not to be sacrificed for US trade deal
But apple farmers, who account for about a third of the roughly 14,000 households in the sleepy rural area, worry that their way of life could be under threat from an influx of cheap US imports.
Fanning concerns, South Korea's trade minister suggested last week that Seoul could make concessions on some agricultural imports, although he said sensitive items should be protected, as part of any deal to eliminate or reduce punishing US tariffs on cars, steel and other key exports.
"US apples are very cheap. We can't compete with them," said Shim Chun-taek, a third-generation farmer who has been growing apples for two decades.
He now fears South Korean farmers risk being sacrificed to appease the US and support the country's manufacturing sector.
The United States has long called for better market access for its farm products from beef to apples and potatoes. US President Donald Trump in April slammed steep tariffs on rice in South Korea and Japan.
South Korea has taken steps to open its market and is now the top buyer of US beef and the sixth-biggest destination for US agricultural exports overall.
Still, Washington has complained about persistent non-tariff barriers.
South Korea's quarantine agency is still reviewing US market access requests for apples more than 30 years after they were filed, sparking calls by Washington to expedite the approval process for a range of fruits and potatoes.
Any opening up of the sector would increase pressure on apple farmers already wrestling with a host of problems, from climate change to an ageing population and wildfires, which have led to rising costs, smaller harvests, and higher prices.
Bank of Korea governor Rhee Chang-yong last year said runaway prices of apples and other farm goods were contributing to inflation and that there was a need to consider more imports.
The central bank noted South Korea's grocery prices were higher than the average for OECD countries, with apple prices nearly three times higher than the OECD average.
"I think it is difficult to justify absolute protection to certain agriculture sectors simply because of its high sensitivity," said Choi Seok-young, a former chief negotiator for the Korea-US free trade deal.
It was hard to view the delayed quarantine process as "rational based on science and international norms," added Choi, who is now a senior adviser for law firm Lee & Ko.
Agriculture has emerged as one of the sticking points in US trade talks with South Korea and Japan, after countries such as Indonesia and Britain agreed to allow more agricultural imports from the US in recent trade deals.
Seoul has long restricted shipments of US beef from cattle older than 30 months. Massive protests from South Koreans worried about safety due to mad cow disease followed a 2008 agreement with the United States to lift the restrictions.
Shim, 48, who wakes at 3am every morning to work on his orchards, said it would be impossible to find alternative crops to grow in the mountainous area.
The tariff talks have already fuelled protests from farmers' groups. There could be more to come.
"We oppose the imports of apples no matter what," Youn Kyung-hee, mayor of Cheongsong county, told Reuters, adding that people will not "sit still" if Seoul opens up the market.
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We are not licensed under securities laws to address your particular financial situation. No communication by our employees to you should be deemed as personalized financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decision. This is a paid advertisement and is neither an offer nor recommendation to buy or sell any security. We hold no investment licenses and are thus neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice. The content in this report or email is not provided to any individual with a view toward their individual circumstances. USA News Group is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Market IQ Media Group, Inc. ('MIQ'). MIQ has been paid a fee for Oncolytics Biotech Inc. advertising and digital media from the company directly. There may be 3rd parties who may have shares of Oncolytics Biotech Inc., and may liquidate their shares which could have a negative effect on the price of the stock. 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We also expect further compensation as an ongoing digital media effort to increase visibility for the company, no further notice will be given, but let this disclaimer serve as notice that all material, including this article, which is disseminated by MIQ has been approved by Oncolytics Biotech Inc.; this is a paid advertisement, we currently own shares of Oncolytics Biotech Inc. and will buy and sell shares of the company in the open market, or through private placements, and/or other investment vehicles. While all information is believed to be reliable, it is not guaranteed by us to be accurate. Individuals should assume that all information contained in our newsletter is not trustworthy unless verified by their own independent research. Also, because events and circumstances frequently do not occur as expected, there will likely be differences between the any predictions and actual results. Always consult a licensed investment professional before making any investment decision. 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