대한민국 뿌리 인사이트

Last year, the amount of fresh radish imports surged 11-fold compared to the previous year. In this situation, the government decided to extend the period of application of the foreign fresh radish quota tariff until April. Farmers criticized that excessive increase in imports could weaken the domestic consumption base and lead to the collapse of the domestic production base. ◆Radish imports surge 11-fold… Highest in 12 years = According to the Korea Customs Service, the amount of foreign fresh radish imported from January to December 2024 was 14,871 tons. This is an 11.4-fold increase compared to 2023 (1,307 tons), and the highest in 12 years since 2012 (16,933 tons). The surge in imports is interpreted as a result of a combination of factors such as increased prices due to a decrease in domestic production and the government’s application of quota tariffs. According to the production area, the production of winter radish in 2024-2025 has decreased significantly due to the abnormally high temperatures that have continued since last summer and the heavy rain in late autumn (October-November). According to the ‘December Leaf Vegetable Observation’ released by the Korea Rural Economic Institute at the end of last year, the production of winter radish is expected to be 319,895 tons. It is a 9.6% decrease from the previous year (354,020 tons) and a 15.6% decrease from the average year (378,890 tons). The decrease felt by farmers is even greater. Park Il-sik, who grows winter radish in Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, said, “Usually in January, a box of 20 kg per 3.3㎡ (1 pyeong) comes out, but this year, it is only 10 kg,” and “Even that is small in size and of poor quality.” The price continued its upward trend. On the 15th, 20kg boxes of radish were sold at 27,749 won per box at Garak Market in Seoul. This is 175.8% higher than the average in January last year (10,063 won) and 127.7% higher than the average year (12,186 won). ◆Government, “Extend import quota tariff until April”… Farmers, “Production base will collapse while trying to control prices” = Prices have soared, but farmers’ expressions are not bright. Farmers are complaining that the decline in production is greater than the increase in prices, making it difficult to make ends meet. In the midst of this, the government decided to extend the quota tariff application period from the end of last year to April, saying it is preparing for a shortage of radish supply, causing farmers to feel even more frustrated. Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Late summer heat reduces production… Winter cabbage and radish prices double last year’s As the winter cabbage and radish cultivation area decreased compared to last year and the late summer heat added to it, the prices of cabbage and radish have increased by up to twice compared to last year. According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Corporation, as of the 23rd, the average retail price of cabbage was 4,639 won per head, 65% more expensive than a year ago. The average retail price of radish during the same period was 3,373 won, 91% more expensive than last year and 68% more expensive than the average year. As the retail prices of cabbage and radish showed a downward trend until the end of last month but turned upward this month, the government announced that it would release the amount of cabbage purchased starting this week to stabilize the market. Reporter Han Ji-i (hanji@yna.co.kr) #cabbage #radish #late summer heat #abnormal climate For inquiries and tips on Yonhap News TV articles: KakaoTalk/Line jebo23 (End)

The agricultural income stabilization insurance will be put into full-scale operation starting next year. Attention is focused on whether the government’s proposed income stabilization insurance will be an alternative to strengthen the safety net for farm income in a situation where agricultural disasters due to abnormal climate and unstable agricultural product prices are threatening the sustainability of agriculture.  Income stabilization insurance is an insurance product that compensates for the decreased income when a farm’s income by item falls below a certain level. While crop disaster insurance compensates only for the decreased harvest, income stabilization insurance compensates for the decreased income by considering both the harvest and the price.  The nine items subject to the full-scale operation to be implemented nationwide next year are garlic, onions, cabbage, grapes, beans, autumn potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, and barley. Six new items, including rice, sweet persimmons, autumn radishes, autumn cabbage, peaches, and tangerines (all-season citrus fruits), as well as spring and highland potatoes, are pilot projects that can only be subscribed to in some major producing areas and are scheduled to be converted to full-scale operations in the future. The government plans to expand the target to 30 important items in the national diet.  The income stabilization insurance is operated in a way that if the current income (current price × current harvest per farm) falls below 60-85% of the standard income (standard price × average harvest per farm), the difference is paid as insurance money. Farmers can choose the coverage level of 60, 70, 80, or 85% when signing up for insurance. For example, if they choose 80% coverage, they will receive insurance money when the current income falls below 80% of the standard income. The coverage amount is the difference between the amount corresponding to 80% and the current income (actual income).  In order to increase farmers’ choices regarding the level of coverage and insurance premiums, three insurance products will be introduced based on the standard price application criteria. Among them, the ‘past income type’ calculates income using the average price of the past five years, such as wholesale market prices, as the standard price. The ‘expected income type’ calculates the standard income by reflecting the increased price in the standard price when the harvest season price rises compared to the average year. However, the increase in the harvest season price is reflected only within 1.5 times the average year price. If the market price in the current year falls, the standard income is determined based on the average year price. For example, when the average harvest volume of soybean farm A over the past five years is 7,000 kg, the average year price of soybeans per kg is 5,000 won.