[Agricultural, Fisheries, and Livestock Newspaper=Agricultural, Fisheries, and Livestock Newspaper] The stability of rice prices, a recurring debate every year, requires a reexamination of the method for estimating surplus quantities. The benefits of price increases do not go to farmers but to distributors. Even if the government-controlled quantity is increased, the effect on stabilizing rice prices is minimal. The season of harvest has arrived without fail. Although it is a reality that there is concern even in a year of plenty, we send our gratitude to all the farmers and fishermen who have worked hard throughout the year as we meet the season of fruition. The price of rice in the producing areas has turned downward after 11 months. The price of rice in the producing areas from October to December, the harvest season, is important because it determines the purchase price of public reserve rice. Every year in early October, the Korea Data Agency (formerly the Statistics Korea) estimates the expected rice production.