President Lee: "Agriculture Is a Strategic Industry for the Nation... We Will Do Our Utmost to Stabilize Farm Incomes"

SNS Message on Farmers' Day
Supply-and-Demand Adjustments and Consumption Boost to Address Falling Vegetable and Fruit Prices
Reflect Farmers' Views on Farmland and Agricultural Cooperative Reforms, CPTPP

President Lee Jaemyung said on the 11th, marking the 31st Farmers' Day, that "agriculture is the foundation of food security and a strategic industry for the nation," and that he would strengthen the government's responsibility for the sector. In particular, he pledged to combine supply-and-demand adjustments with efforts to boost consumption to support farms struggling with falling prices for major agricultural products, including vegetables and fruit. He also said the government would actively reflect the agricultural sector's views on key policy issues, including farmland and agricultural cooperative reforms and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

President Lee Jae Myung speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the Blue House on Nov. 10, 2026. Yonhap News Agency

That day, President Lee posted a message on X (formerly Twitter) titled "Thanks to our farmers, whose dedication to feeding the nation built today's Korea." He wrote, "I extend my deep gratitude and respect to farmers across the country, who have steadfastly tended the land and safeguarded the food supply for our people despite difficult conditions." He continued, "Thanks to farmers, who have steadfastly kept food on our tables amid the sweeping changes of industrialization and urbanization, we have been able to overcome difficult times," adding, "A country that disregards agriculture will find it difficult to prosper."

President Lee described agriculture as a strategic industry that will shape the nation's future, extending beyond the simple production of food. He said, "Rural communities are the home of the national community that we must protect and the roots of the Republic of Korea," adding, "Protecting the roots of agriculture, a future life industry, is tantamount to protecting the future of the Republic of Korea."

He also reiterated the government's agricultural support policies. "We passed bills related to agriculture and people's livelihoods that had been vetoed by the previous administration, and we are making various efforts, including normalizing rice prices," President Lee said. "We have also introduced policies to expand rural income sources through a basic income for rural and fishing communities and solar income villages."

He pledged a government response to the difficulties farmers face amid recent declines in agricultural product prices. "Farmers are facing significant difficulties due to falling prices for major products, including vegetables and fruit," President Lee said. "We will do our utmost to stabilize agricultural product prices and farm incomes by combining supply-and-demand adjustments with efforts to boost consumption."

He also emphasized communication on key issues that have prompted opposition and concern in the agricultural sector. "On important issues such as farmland reform, agricultural cooperative reform, and the CPTPP, we will faithfully incorporate the views of people in the field into our policies and pursue measures that benefit farmers," President Lee said.

President Lee added, "The government will provide responsible support so that farmers receive fair incomes for their hard work and the value of agriculture is properly recognized," pledging, "We will build a country where farmers can farm without worry and people can consume with confidence."

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