Dependence on Overseas Major Grains… “Building a Step-by-Step Food Crisis Response Model” [Agricultural Outlook 2025]

South Korea's self-sufficiency rate for wheat and corn is only 1%, and the aging of farm households and protectionism could lead to a food crisis. Experts suggest establishing efficient emergency response guidelines and establishing a standardized food crisis response system akin to Switzerland's. They also recommend digitizing agricultural product supply and demand management to secure a stable food supply. The article also highlights the need for increasing stockpiling capacity and expanding private sector participation in stockpiling projects.

In 2023 (the year of grain production), Korea’s self-sufficiency rate for wheat and corn is only at the level of 1%. In a situation where most grains except rice are practically dependent on imports, it is pointed out that guidelines for efficient response in times of emergency should be established in order to prevent a food crisis. ◆Aging and protectionism increase food security threats = These opinions were raised at the ‘Agricultural Outlook 2025’ held by the Korea Rural Economic Institute at Lotte Hotel World in Songpa-gu, Seoul on the 16th. Seung Jun-ho, a research fellow at the Rural Economic Institute, said, “The low self-sufficiency rate of major grains (wheat, soybeans, and corn) and the high concentration of rice production are largely due to the aging of farm households.” He expressed concerns about the weakening of the agricultural base, saying, “As the average age of farm managers exceeds 65 years old and the aging population becomes more serious, production is ...