Seoul has decided not to continue its status as a “developing country” in the field of agriculture at WTO renegotiations.

The national government says there will be no imminent impact on the agriculture industry.
But the island is likely to suffer a blow with reduced tariffs on imported agricultural items.
Mike Balfour reports.

[slug] Korea received preferential treatment in agriculture and climate areas
Korea has enjoyed preferential treatment as a developing country in the area of agriculture and climate change during free trade negotiations with other WTO(World Trade Organization) member countries.
Benefits associated with developing country status include high tariffs on imported agricultural products and governmental subsidies provided to farmers.

[slug] Seoul relinquishes privileges as a developing country at WTO negotiations
The national government has decided not to preserve the developing country status at WTO negotiations with other member countries.

INTERVIEW
Hong Nam-Ki / Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy and Finance (Oct.25)
We decided to relinquish developing country benefits at future free trade negotiations with other countries.
<인터뷰 : 홍남기/부총리 겸 기획재정부 장관(지난 25일)>
"미래 WTO 협상에서 개도국 특혜를 주장하지 않기로 결정하였습니다."

Local farmers strongly oppose the decision.



The island's major production of garlic, mandarine and onions can suffer due to reduced tariffs on imported agricultural products.
A high tariff of between 130 and 360 percent is imposed on items categorized as "sensitive" products.



[slug] Weaker protection for Jeju products including garlic
The farmers association expects that the island will suffer greatly from lower tariffs on imported garlic and mandarins which have been categorized as sensitive items.

[slug] Seoul: No imminent impact
The national government says there will be no imminent impact on the agriculture industry because the changed status will be applied only to future negotiations.
However, farmers are not relieved because free trade negotiations can take place in unexpected ways and Seoul hasn’t come up with plans to minimize the possible impacts of the change.

Farming is being driven to the brink as agricultural products grown or produced in other countries are rushing into the nation.

[Reporter] Mike Balfour
[Camera] Jwa Sang-eun
[CG] So Ki-hun

Farmers are protesting Seoul’s decision while urging the national government to come up with plans to minimize the possible impact of the changed status at the WTO.

Mike Balfour, KCTV