'FTA fund for orchard facility modernization' budget depleted early...confusion among citrus farmers

Among the 4,470 farms selected for this year's designated projects, 25% are experiencing difficulties in the projects, including loan suspensions. The province says, "Agricultural comprehensive fund support is possible." Concerns are rising that the Jeju citrus industry will be hit hard as tariffs on U.S. mandarins will be abolished starting next year due to the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and the "2025 FTA Fund Fruit and High-Quality Facility Modernization Project" is causing difficulties for citrus farmers, including confusion, due to a lack of secondary support (loan) budget. According to the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, a total of 912 billion won is being invested in 15 projects, including citrus orchard land improvement and fruit smart farms, for the "2025 FTA Fund Fruit and High-Quality Facility Modernization Project." The projects are being carried out with 182 billion won in national funds, 299 billion won in provincial funds, and 431 billion won in ...