The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is actively responding to supply instability in agricultural and livestock products caused by livestock diseases and weather anomalies. Weekly supply checks are led by the Vice Minister, with the first meeting held on the 12th at the Government Complex Sejong, chaired by Park Jeong-hoon, Director of Food Policy. Key items discussed include rice, cabbage, radish, garlic, apple, tangerine, strawberry, Korean beef, pork, and eggs. The meeting also reviewed the implementation of preventive measures such as greenhouse reinforcement and enhanced crop management in response to heavy snow forecasts. Some damage was reported in greenhouse facilities, but the overall impact was minimal.
The government plans to respond promptly to any additional damage that may be identified. Supply checks revealed that most agricultural products remain stable, with vegetables like cabbage and radish showing recovery and expected stable supply during the Lunar New Year peak season. Fruits such as tangerines are also maintaining stability due to increased winter shipments. Apples and strawberries are expected to see increased shipments and price stabilization from mid-month onward. Garlic prices rose due to quality deterioration in stored 2025 garlic, but government reserve releases are curbing further increases.
Potato prices have increased due to poor autumn harvests and reduced storage, prompting the government to release 20 tons daily from a 758-ton reserve. Supply is expected to recover after March as greenhouse potato shipments increase. Livestock products have seen higher prices than last year and the average due to the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI), reduced egg and chicken supply, and fewer Korean beef cattle. The government is minimizing preventive culling, expanding supply for the holiday season, and supporting discounts through self-help funds. Trial imports of fresh eggs have been arranged, with domestic introduction and market supply scheduled for early next month after quarantine and customs clearance.
Processed foods and dining out have experienced continued price increases due to high exchange rates, rising international raw material costs, and increased labor and electricity expenses, though the rate of increase is slowing. Ahead of the Lunar New Year, the government will hold a food industry meeting on the 22nd to strengthen communication and stabilize prices. Park Jeong-hoon emphasized the need for ongoing supply management and field inspections with related agencies, given the potential for price volatility due to winter weather and the holiday season. He also stressed securing sufficient supply and enhancing crop management to ensure stable supply during the Lunar New Year.