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

Published Dec 19, 2025

Tridge summary

[Korea Farmers' News Agency, reporter Kang Jae-nam] Amid concerns that the Jeju citrus industry will take a direct hit due to the elimination of tariffs on U.S. mandarins starting next year as a result of the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the "2025 FTA Fund Fruit and Citrus Quality Facility Modernization Project" is encountering setbacks, including confusion among citrus farmers due to a shortage of secondary lending (loan) budget. According to Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, to push forward the "2025 FTA Fund Fruit and Citrus Quality Facility Modernization Project," a total of 912 billion won will be invested, including 182 billion won in national funds, 299 billion won in provincial funds, and 431 billion won in secondary lending and farmers' self-payments, for 15 projects such as citrus orchard land development and fruit tree smart farms.

Original content

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 ...

Source: Agrinet