대한민국 농업 및 식품 insights

(Busan=Yonhap News) Reporter Oh Su-hee = Although the budget to prevent pine wilt disease, also known as 'pine AIDS,' has doubled, the number of affected pine trees has increased by four times. According to data received by People Power Party Representative Jo Gyeong-tae (Busan Saha-eul) from the Korea Forest Service, the budget for pine wilt disease control increased from 50.4 billion won in 2022 to 1,018 billion won in 2025, a twofold increase. However, during the same period, the number of affected pine trees increased from 380,000 to 1,490,000, nearly quadrupling. Representative Jo pointed out that despite doubling the budget, the fight against pine wilt disease has been a complete failure. He said, "Our country only removes infected trees at the 'point' level and the control period is from September to May of the following year, making it impossible to respond quickly." He added, "Spain has set a 20-kilometer radius around the outbreak area as a 'surface' defense line and has been successful by removing infected trees within one month of detection." Representative Jo said, "Out of the 140.8 billion won in research and development budget for the Korea Forest Service this year, only 280 million won is allocated for the development of 'resistant varieties' against pine wilt disease." He stated, "The Korea Forest Service's easygoing approach and temporary measures cannot protect the pine trees." He continued, "An immediate government-wide organization directly under the Prime Minister for responding to the pine wilt disease crisis should be established, and a proactive control system like Spain's should be introduced." He urged, "Fundamental measures should be prepared, including a dramatic increase in the budget for developing resistant varieties."

[Chungcheongnam-do Intangible Cultural Heritage, 'Hongseong Gyeolseong Nong-yo' Performance Reenacted] By Kim Heung-jin, Korea Farmers' News Reporter, the performance of 'Hongseong Gyeolseong Nong-yo,' designated as an intangible cultural heritage of Chungcheongnam-do, was reenacted on the 22nd at the rice planting experience event site hosted by the National Agricultural Museum. The Hongseong Gyeolseong folk song is a unique courtyard play culture where farmers gather and dance after completing their hard work and returning to the rice fields. It is a lively agricultural song performance consisting of a total of nine courtyards handed down in the Hongseong region, where rice farming was active. Reporter Kim Heung-jin.

A South Korean importing group, including Feedmill Group and Cargill Agri Purina, purchased approximately 67,000 tonnes of feed corn at an international auction on Tuesday, according to Reuters. The corn was purchased in one shipment from CJ International for delivery to South Korea on or about February 10, 2026. 38,580 tonnes were purchased at $246.61