Song Mi-ryung: Ensure Farmers' Peace of Mind During Land Surveys

Song Mi-ryung, the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, instructed officials to clearly communicate the government's policy that no disposal procedures will be conducted for general matters not related to speculation during the nationwide land survey.

On October 16, Minister Song visited the Gyeongbuk office of the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service (NAPQMS) to meet with officials and surveyors involved in the land survey and to assess the progress of the initiative.

This visit aimed to accurately convey the intent of the government's recent 'follow-up measures and reform direction for land surveys' to the field, as part of the nationwide land survey being conducted this year.

During the meeting, participants shared challenges such as neighbors traditionally farming on behalf of elderly landowners, complex ownership issues due to prolonged inheritance processes, and difficulties arising from verbal lease agreements.

They collectively emphasized the urgent need for practical solutions to prevent honest farmers from facing disadvantages due to inadequate legal procedures.

In response, Minister Song stated, "The NAPQMS is on the front lines of agricultural policy, directly engaging with farmers. I hope you will clearly explain that general matters not related to speculation will not be disposed of during this land survey process, in line with the 'follow-up measures and reform direction for land surveys.'"

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs previously announced follow-up measures for the land survey, indicating plans to pursue special legislation that would suspend or exempt administrative penalties for simple violations of regulations.

During the validity period of this special legislation, the government will provide institutional exceptions to allow actual farmers to self-manage their land use. Notably, regarding the controversial land bank entrustment, it will be clarified that this is a voluntary choice for farmers, not an obligation, and that disposal procedures will not commence solely based on the lack of entrustment.