Calls for a shift in the policy for rice flour cultivation

The rice flour policy, which was a key initiative of the previous government, is now in jeopardy. With the change in administration, criticism has poured in labeling it a "failed policy," and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has mentioned "slowing down" and taking a step back. Farmers who expanded their cultivation areas in trust of the government's policy are now in a frustrating situation. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has invested over 10.8 billion won over the past three years to support the development of processed foods and catering products using rice flour. However, many food companies that participated in the "Rice Flour Productization Package Support Project" until last year have withdrawn. They cite various reasons such as "unmatched costs," "burden of equipment conversion," and "poor business viability," but ultimately, the loss of momentum in the government's policy and the industry support structure centered around large ...