The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced Tuesday that the so-called “Hanwoo Act” has been officially promulgated and will go into effect on July 23 next year.
The legislation mandates that the government devise rolling five-year development plans for the premium Korean beef industry and provide direct financial support to cattle farmers.
The move revives a version of the law that was previously scrapped and reflects growing recognition of hanwoo beef’s central role in the rural economy.
“Hanwoo production ranks third in agricultural output after pork and rice,” said Ahn Yong-deok, director general of the ministry’s livestock policy division. “The number of cattle farms is the largest in the livestock sector, making it a key sector for the rural economy. This law will serve as a catalyst to upgrade our support system and strengthen competitiveness while discovering new measures for farm management stability.”
The new law requires the agriculture ministry to conduct research to improve breeding techniques and meat quality, while also offering slaughter and shipment incentives to farmers to help stabilize supply and demand.
As of last month, South Korea was home to approximately 3.29 million hanwoo cattle. North Gyeongsang Province accounted for the largest share, with more than 716,000 cows, followed by South Jeolla Province with roughly 604,000.
In the months ahead, the ministry will work to finalize detailed subordinate regulations before the law’s implementation.
Hanwoo beef, known for its marbling and high-quality flavor, commands premium prices domestically.
reporter
Kim Dong-young
davekim0807@ajupress.com
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.
View more comments