The South Korean government and honey producers have conflicting views on the country's honey production outlook for this year. The Rural Development Administration predicted a 28.2% increase in acacia honey production compared to the average year, but a survey by the Korea Beekeeping Cooperative showed a 41% decrease compared to the average, with 1.01 million bees missing due to the disappearance of wintering bees for three years in a row. The government attributes the increase in honey production to active pest control and bee population growth, while producers blame the decrease on the loss of wintering bees and say the government's survey of only 51 farms is not representative of the situation. The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has called for increased guidance to minimize damage during the rainy season and to support beekeeping farmers.