Latest news with #SongMi-ryung
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Apec ministers adopt joint statement calling for efforts to enhance global food security
SEOUL: The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) member economies on Sunday endorsed a joint statement urging efforts to bolster food security in the region for shared prosperity, the South Korean Agriculture Ministry said. According to Yonhap News Agency, the move came as the global community faces various challenges to food security, such as climate change, an ageing population, supply chain disruptions and poverty in some regions — issues that can exacerbate surging food prices and heighten risks of food insecurity and malnutrition. "We remain committed to promoting cooperation among Apec member economies and fostering solidarity to strengthen food security through productive, sustainable, resilient and innovative agri-food systems for the prosperity of all our people and future generations," according to a statement issued at the 2025 Apec Food Security Ministerial Meeting, which wrapped up its two-day run in Incheon, about 40 kilometres west of Seoul. The 2025 meeting brought together all 21 food security-related ministers of Apec member economies, including the United States, China, Japan and Thailand, to discuss the theme of "Driving Innovation in Agri-food Systems for Shared Prosperity." Under the joint statement, the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to Apec's roadmap for strengthening regional food security by 2030 and creating a resilient and peaceful Asia-Pacific community by 2040, according to the ministry. "In response to these concerns, Apec economies recognise the importance of promoting more sustainable and resilient food systems through the efficient use of agricultural resources, and implementing policies and approaches that support sustainable agricultural productivity growth," it added. The ministers also called for the application of advanced digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), in the food and agricultural sectors to boost supply chain sustainability, while recognising the "critical" role that trade can play in achieving food security. "We already possess various technologies, such as smart farming and data-driven policies, (to enhance food security), and the key question now is, 'With whom and how will we connect these elements to create real change?'" South Korean Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryung said. Song also said South Korea will work to share its experiences in smart farming and in developing AI-powered agricultural business models with global partners to promote food security in the region. Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the ministerial meeting, Song held bilateral talks with her counterparts from China, Japan, Vietnam and Malaysia to discuss ways to expand South Korea's exports of food products to those countries, according to her office. — BERNAMA
Korea Herald
3 days ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
APEC adopts joint pledge to boost food security
Member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation pledged to accelerate innovation to bolster food security, adopting a joint declaration at their ministerial-level meeting in Seoul on Sunday. According to Korea's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the declaration reflects a shared commitment to advancing sustainable agri-food systems among the 21 APEC member countries. The grouping includes 12 economies in Asia — seven of them members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations — five in the Americas, three in Oceania, and Russia. 'In the face of complex challenges, food security remains a significant issue with localized areas of acute hunger,' the joint statement read. 'Advanced technologies, policy tools and practices can enhance efficiency, boost productivity and improve resilience across the production, manufacturing, distribution and consumption of agri-food products.' It outlines strategies to tackle food security threats at every stage of production, distribution and consumption, while advancing the adoption of new technologies and bridging the digital divide. It also sets out future-oriented directions based on Korea's priority agendas of rural revitalization, support for young farmers and improved food accessibility. Following the adoption of the declaration, the meeting, chaired by Korea, continued discussions under the theme 'Driving Innovation in Agri-food Systems for Shared Prosperity.' Key discussions included a mid-term review of the 2030 food security roadmap, adoption of detailed operating rules for working-level food security policy talks, sharing of innovation-driven practices and cooperation on the use of artificial intelligence. 'It is deeply meaningful that all member economies have united to adopt the Ministerial Declaration at a time when food security carries profound global significance,' Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryung said at the meeting. 'I hope this meeting will help promote Korea's agri-food innovation policies, rooted in our experience in overcoming food crises, along with the value and excellence of K-Food+, thereby contributing to enhancing our nation's global standing.' While holding bilateral meetings with Vietnam and Malaysia to actively explore ways to expand exports of Korean agri-food products, Korea will also host a trilateral agriculture ministers' meeting with China and Japan on Monday to further strengthen cooperation on sustainable agriculture.
Korea Herald
04-08-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
S. Korea to host APEC ministerial meeting on food security
South Korea will host a meeting of agriculture ministers from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation member economies this weekend to discuss measures to bolster food security in the region, officials said Monday. The meeting will take place in Incheon, west of Seoul, on Sunday under the theme "Driving Innovation in Agri-food Systems for Shared Prosperity," according to officials from Seoul's agriculture ministry. Ministers from the 21 APEC member economies, including the United States, China, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Australia and Russia, are expected to attend the upcoming meeting to discuss strategies for enhancing food security in the Asia-Pacific region. "As concerns over food security are growing amid the climate crisis and global supply chain disruptions, it is especially meaningful for South Korea, a nation at the forefront of agricultural innovation, to engage in discussions on food security cooperation with APEC member economies," Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryung said in a press release. "Through this meeting, Seoul will work to further solidify international cooperation in the agricultural sector and actively promote the value and excellence of Korean food and agricultural products," she added. This year's meeting will also explore ways to harness artificial intelligence technology to drive agricultural innovation and respond to challenges posed by climate change and supply chain instability. From Wednesday to Saturday, Korea will also host various working-level meetings to discuss APEC's road map for strengthening regional food security by 2030, along with other related issues. (Yonhap)
Korea Herald
19-05-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
From satellites to smart farms: Korea's agriculture minister reimagines rural sustainability
Despite rising global tariffs, K-food exports hit record highs as ministry strengthens proactive support for agri-exporters South Korea's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is taking meaningful steps to modernize the country's agricultural sector and ensure its long-term sustainability. Led by its first female minister, Song Mi-ryung, the ministry has been focusing on three key transitions: digital innovation, generational change and the transformation of rural spaces. 'Food and livelihood are essential pillars of any society," Song said during an interview with The Korea Herald at the Agriculture Ministry's Seoul office on Thursday. "Because agriculture underpins both, I believe it is a sector we must prioritize and never neglect. I see agriculture becoming a competitive industry in the future — not just essential, but innovative. And I believe the countryside will be increasingly seen as a desirable and inspiring place.' A year and five months into her term, the minister has made 297 field visits over 503 days, demonstrating a strong commitment to understanding and addressing the practical needs of farmers and rural communities. A top priority for the ministry today is the digital transformation of agriculture, which goes hand in hand with generational change, according to Song. New legislation took effect between July 2024 and January 2025, including the Smart Agriculture Act, Food Tech Act and Green Bio Act. These laws aim to support private sector participation and attract younger generations to farming. The ministry is also establishing green bio hubs and food tech research centers while easing regulations to allow for innovations such as vertical farms. 'Currently, only about 1 percent of the country's farm managers are young people. (This is) a deeply concerning figure. To attract young talent, farming must evolve beyond the image of toiling under the sun, hoping for good weather,' Song said. The ministry aims to cultivate 30,000 young agricultural leaders by expanding support for new farmers and increasing financial incentives. The monthly startup grant for young farmers currently stands at approximately 1.1 million won ($787), with the number of recipients rising from 4,000 in 2023 to 5,000 as of last year. In addition to financial aid, the ministry is offering smart farm rentals and entrepreneurship programs to help young people establish successful careers in agriculture. 'At first glance, it may seem that young people simply lack interest in rural life. But in reality, many are drawn to the idea of a slower, more fulfilling lifestyle, much like the one portrayed in the film 'Little Forest.' We've seen many cases where young people in Seoul take the brave step of relocating to the countryside to launch unique, independent businesses. Most importantly, they report a high level of satisfaction with the lifestyle.' Song cited France's 'third spaces' project and Japan's rural revitalization model as compelling examples. In Japan, she observed that young people form nonprofit groups move into rural areas, engage in farming and food processing, and sell their products at urban 'antenna shops.' These global models, Song emphasized, offer valuable benchmarks Korea can adapt to suit its unique context. 'In the future, people may work in the city for four days and spend the remaining three experiencing a different pace of life in the countryside. Rural areas will increasingly serve as spaces for lifestyle-oriented businesses. In this sense, the countryside becomes a 'third space,' not just urban or rural in the traditional sense, but a new kind of environment that holds growing value for modern life.' By 2029, the government aims to convert 35 percent of the nation's 55,000 hectares of greenhouses into smart farms and introduce digital technologies to 20 percent of major field crop areas. The ministry is also actively investing in research and development, including Korea's first dedicated agricultural satellite, which is currently in the final stages of assembly and scheduled for launch via SpaceX next year. The satellite will collect crop growth data across the Korean Peninsula every three days. This high-resolution, real-time data will be integrated with climate information to produce accurate production forecasts. 'The technology will transform agricultural policy and operations by enabling scientific, data-driven decisions,' Song said. 'I firmly believe this gathered data will not only enhance government policymaking but also create new business opportunities for private companies by enabling more accurate forecasts and strategic decisions in the global market.' Song noted that while countries like the United States have already adopted similar technologies, Korea is positioning itself as a first mover. The satellite project represents a significant step forward in the digital transformation of Korean agriculture. Meanwhile, Korea's agricultural exports have reached record highs, with K-food plus exports totaling $13 billion in 2023 and showing a 9.4 percent year-on-year increase as of April 2025. According to the ministry, K-food plus exports refers to agri-food products as well as products from industries with forward and backward links to agri-food. The ministry has worked to expand fresh produce exports, negotiate new quarantine agreements and promote Korean food products globally. Fresh produce exports reached $1.57 billion in 2024, accounting for 19 percent of total K-food exports. Internationally, the ministry is strengthening partnerships through initiatives such as the "K-Ricebelt," which shares high-yield rice cultivation technology with 14 African countries. Last year, Korea produced 3,562 tons of rice seeds for the project, exceeding its target. The ministry is also promoting traditional Korean flavors, with exports of Korean sauces such as gochujang reaching a record $394 million in 2024. Korea's jang-making culture has also been recognized by UNESCO. Regarding the evolving policy landscape in the US under the second administration of US President Donald Trump, Song said the impact of baseline tariffs appears limited so far, based on current export data. 'In April alone, K-food exports recorded their highest monthly performance of the year, rising 12 percent year-on-year to $940 million. Exports to the US grew even more sharply, up 37 percent from the same period last year, reaching $170 million.' She added that food is more than just a commodity — it is consumed as a form of culture. 'Thanks to strong brand loyalty among younger consumers globally, we do not anticipate major obstacles to expanding K-food exports.' On the topic of global tariffs, the minister emphasized the need for proactive, real-time support. 'Providing timely and accurate information to agri-food exporters is essential, along with resolving on-the-ground challenges. To better address industry concerns, we've enhanced the US export support function of aT's (Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation) Export Information Desk and launched reciprocal tariff response seminars.' Sustainability and animal welfare are also key pillars of the ministry's long-term agenda. Initiatives include expanding the use of livestock waste for renewable energy and strengthening systems to prevent livestock diseases. In a landmark policy shift, Korea enacted a ban on dog meat in February 2024. By early 2025, 40 percent of dog farms had shut down, and the ministry aims to close more than 60 percent — around 938 farms — by year's end. 'The movement to end dog meat consumption gained momentum around the 1988 Seoul Olympics. As the country developed, social consensus grew to ban the practice, reflecting increased awareness of animal welfare. We believe this will also encourage progress in animal rights in countries where dog meat consumption continues,' Song said. She added that the government is aiming for a complete ban by 2027, positioning Korea as a global leader in animal welfare.
Korea Herald
02-04-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
S. Korea seeks to boost animal medicine market to W4tr by 2035: ministry
South Korea will work to triple the size of the animal medicine market to 4 trillion won ($2.7 billion) by 2035 as part of efforts to foster new growth engines for the economy, the agriculture ministry said Wednesday. The government also aims to increase the country's exports of veterinary medicine products fivefold to 1.5 trillion won and create 15 animal pharmaceutical companies with an annual revenue of at least 50 billion won each over the next 10 years, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The ministry said the plan comes amid growing demand for animal pharmaceutical products around the globe, sparked by an increase in pet ownership, livestock product consumption and infectious diseases in animals. To achieve the goal, the government will initiate a large-scale research and development project to secure core technologies needed for the development of new drugs for animals, including vaccines for infectious animal diseases. It also plans to expand infrastructure for the animal pharmaceutical industry and adopt measures to strengthen the quality and safety of veterinary medicines and expedite the novel drug development process. The ministry said it will push for the legislation of a special law aimed at fostering the industry. To expand exports, the ministry plans to improve guidelines for good manufacturing practices for veterinary medicines to align them with global standards and work to join the international Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme by 2038 as part of efforts to gain a foothold in the American and European markets. "The ministry will work to foster the growth of the animal medicine industry in the mid-to-long term to make it a new growth engine for the economy," Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryung said. (Yonhap)
