Ahead of the National Assembly's Agriculture, Forestry, Livestock, Fisheries and Food Committee's government audit starting on the 14th, the National Federation of Farmers' Associations announced the "6 Major Demands for the 2025 Government Audit."
The National Federation of Farmers' Associations urged in the demands that the government's priority solar power policy should be shifted to a method that does not destroy rural areas and farmland.
According to the recently confirmed national task, the government plans to expand the sites for offshore wind power complexes and farming-type solar power to increase the capacity of renewable energy power generation facilities and expand the power transmission network by more than 30% compared to the current level to send it to consumers.
The National Federation of Farmers' Associations emphasized, "Conflicts related to power transmission and transformation facilities are spreading across the country's rural areas due to the renewable energy policy, and in some areas, tenant farmers are being driven out because of increased rental fees due to the installation of farming-type solar power facilities." "There are also opinions to allow the installation of power plants in agricultural promotion areas to expand farming-type solar power, so the policy direction should be reviewed to prevent damage to agriculture and rural areas."
The National Federation of Farmers' Associations also expressed the need for a complete review of the grain policy. They stated, "The main cause of the rice oversupply phenomenon is the mandatory rice import volume of 408,700 tons," and "The import volume should be renegotiated and the use of imported rice should be limited to aid or feed." They also argued that the problems of indiscriminate agricultural product import policy should be examined. Despite the minimal effect of stabilizing prices for agricultural and livestock products subject to tariff quotas, the items and quantities subject to the tariff quotas were increased without clear guidelines, which raises questions. The National Federation of Farmers' Associations also added the opinion that it is necessary to prevent the attempt to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which is likely to cause damage to the agricultural sector in this process.
In addition, the National Federation of Farmers' Associations listed the following as major issues for the government audit: ensuring fair prices for agricultural products and securing farmers' income, strengthening national responsibility for climate disasters, and establishing fundamental measures.
Reporter Jae-hyo Lee hyo@nongmin.com