14th Agora Economica: Is There a Solution to Save Korea’s Agriculture in Crisis?

14th Agora Economica

Date and Time: Friday, June 19, 2026, 4:00 p.m.

Venue: Pureun Hall

Topic: Is There a Solution to Revive Korea’s Agriculture in Crisis?

Presenter: Hyukhoon Jung, Agricultural Correspondent at Maeil Business Newspaper (Deputy Editor-in-Chief)

Moderator: Myungho Park, Chairman of the Institute for World Economy and Society

Discussants:

Woosik Moon, Professor at the Graduate School of International Studies, Seoul National University

Iljung Jeong, Former Director General for International Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

Seungnyeon Kim, Professor in the Division of Economics, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies

Hyesun Yoon, Co-CEO of Yesable Pictures

This seminar examined the structural problems facing Korean agriculture under the theme, “Is There a Solution to Revive Korea’s Agriculture in Crisis?” It diagnosed the realities confronting the sector, including stagnant farm income, deepening population aging, the impact of climate change, a declining food self-sufficiency rate, and a widening agricultural trade deficit.

In particular, it highlighted the limitations of agricultural policy centered on protection and subsidies, which have hindered the sector’s self-reliance and industrialization.

Drawing on the case of Dutch agriculture, the seminar explored the implications of scaling up, competition, cooperatives, and cooperation among the private sector, government, and research institutions.

It also discussed the possibility of transitioning to technology-based agriculture through digital agriculture, biotechnology, smart farms, and automation of robots and equipment.

The seminar emphasized that for Korean agriculture to grow into a sustainable industry, the principles of the market economy must take root in the agricultural sector alongside deregulation, private-sector innovation, and the development of export markets.

This seminar served as an opportunity to view agriculture not as an object of protection, but as a future industry that can grow through competition and innovation.

---

Original title: 제14회: 위기의 한국 농업을 살릴 해법은 없을까

Author: Agora Economica

Date: 2026-07-10

Source: https://www.cfe.org/bbs/bbsDetail.php?cid=agora&pn=1&idx=29261