S. Korea to reflect farmers’ concerns in US free trade talks
Yonhap, February 15, 2006
S. Korea to Reflect Farmers’ Concerns in US Free Trade Talks
SEOUL, Feb 15 Asia Pulse - The South Korean government said Wednesday it will reflect the concerns of farmers in upcoming free trade pact talks with the United States.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry said the country has gradually opened its markets since the Uruguay Round, and recent efforts toward free trade agreements (FTA) are expected to affect profits and hurt production.
The ministry’s statement, released at a local seminar, emphasized the sensitive nature of agriculture and said the extent of market opening must not exceed local farmers’ and livestock owners’ capacity to grow products.
"Farmers and ranchers will be invited to take part in negotiations from the outset," a ministry official said. He said that if the government has to accept a broader market opening for an FTA, every measure will be taken to reduce its impact, including offering minimum prices for products and special income support programs. The government has already earmarked more than 100 trillion won to help farmers.
The ministry said an FTA with Washington could cause production to fall by up to 2.28 trillion won (US$2.34 billion) and imports of meat, dairy and fruit products to rise by 3.17 trillion won. Certain kinds of produce, including beans and potatoes, could suffer from an influx of imports, while the market for apples and pears may not be opened immediately because of quarantine inspection rules.
The U.S. has requested a high degree of market access, cuts on most duties on products, a limit on exemptions and a tariff ceiling. Seoul and Washington plan to conclude negotiations by April of 2007.
