The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) of South Korea, led by Minister Song Mi-ryeong, convened a meeting on April 3, 2024, to address fertilizer supply challenges caused by prolonged conflict in the Middle East. The policy aims to reduce reliance on imported mineral fertilizers and ease management burdens for farmers. Discussions included collaboration with the Rural Development Administration, local governments, and agricultural organizations. The focus is on improving the agricultural structure by promoting the use of livestock manure and organic fertilizers.
Farmers across South Korea are the primary beneficiaries of these initiatives, with 1.8 million agricultural workers receiving SMS and KakaoTalk notifications about fertilizer prescription services. Local governments are broadcasting recommendations in 3,562 towns and districts, and educational programs for proper fertilizer use are being strengthened. The policy also supports high-quality rice production through preferential purchasing and increased evaluation scores for rice processing centers using less fertilizer. Livestock manure is being distributed free of charge to interested farms, and operational funds are provided to specialized management entities.
Implementation began in April 2024, with a campaign running from April 6 to May 29 to promote proper fertilizer use. The Rural Development Administration is distributing manuals and conducting field consultations, while the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation (Nonghyup) is actively informing farmers about organic fertilizer products. Soil testing and fertilizer prescription numbers are set to increase from 580,000 and 779,000 cases in 2025 to 600,000 and 800,000 cases in 2026. The government is also planning to expand the use of slow-release fertilizers through pilot projects and price support programs in 2025 and 2026.
Frequently asked questions include: What support is available for farmers who want to use organic fertilizers? Farmers can access prescription services, receive educational materials, and obtain livestock manure free of charge. How is the government ensuring stable fertilizer supply? By supporting 158 liquid fertilizer distribution organizations and securing 98,000 tons of key fertilizers until July 2024, the government aims to prevent supply disruptions. Additional questions address the expansion of soil testing and the role of public direct payment compliance checks in promoting proper fertilizer use.
Metaqsol opinion: South Korea’s fertilizer policy is a strategic response to global supply disruptions, emphasizing sustainability and farmer support. The use of livestock manure and organic fertilizers, combined with expanded education and prescription services, addresses both economic and environmental concerns. The government’s commitment to increasing soil testing and piloting slow-release fertilizers shows a forward-thinking approach. These actions are grounded in collaboration and data, and if effectively implemented, will strengthen the resilience of South Korea’s agricultural sector.