Proposed Checks on Agricultural Imports by U.S. Army

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MOAF) has asked the U.S. government to allow it to perform quarantine checks on agricultural products imported into Korea by the U.S. 8th Army.

On March 18, MOAF attended a meeting at the Kwachon Government Complex with officials from the 8th Army, to discuss revisions to the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) that will allow South Korea to inspect imported agricultural products made by the army.

The ministry says that imported fruits and vegetables could introduce harmful diseases and insects to this country. They add that agricultural products imported by the U.S. Army are eligible for inspection according to an agreement by the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The 8th Army is opposing the revisions, saying that products used exclusively for American soldiers are exempt from such checks.

by Hong Byung-gi