Jang Donghyuk: "Government's Comprehensive Investigation Labels Farmers as Speculators... Farmland Act Must Change"

On September 15, Jang Donghyeok, leader of the People Power Party, commented on the government's comprehensive farmland survey, saying, "Taking care of farmers' lives is more important than cracking down on speculators." He added, "To address the aging rural population, we must change not only the long-term plan but also the fundamental direction and philosophy of the Farmland Act."

Yonhap News Agency

Jang made these remarks during the 'Aftermath of the Farmland Survey: Crisis in Rural Areas Forum' held at the National Assembly that afternoon. He criticized, "The comprehensive farmland survey, which began with a single statement from President Lee Jaemyung, is branding our farmers as speculators. Rather than 'farmland for those who till the land,' it has become 'a crime for those who till the land.'"

"Elderly people who have owned a few pieces of farmland their entire lives are accused of speculation simply because they are unable to farm themselves due to illness or unavoidable circumstances," Jang continued. "More than half of agricultural managers are over the age of 70, and tenant farmers account for 45% of rural areas, yet the government refuses to recognize this reality," he said.

He went on to say, "If you don't farm the land yourself, you are told to sell it immediately, but there isn't anyone willing to buy. If they fail to sell, the penalty for non-compliance amounts to 25% of the land's value. Because of this, elderly landowners in difficult situations are resorting to covering their land with trees or pumpkin vines just to avoid these penalties—a sad and absurd outcome."

Jang continued, "If you aren't going to farm yourself, you are essentially not allowed to even look at farmland. This has caused farmland prices to plummet, and the Farmland Bank reportedly has no capacity to purchase any more." He argued, "Even now, this misguided comprehensive farmland survey must be halted."

Jang also announced forthcoming countermeasures. "We will increase the budget for farmland purchases and rental support through institutions like the Farmland Bank and focus on amending the Farmland Act to fit the current reality," he said, adding, "The People Power Party will take the lead and do our utmost to revive the agricultural sector and protect farmers."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.