Hats off to Korean farmers

In reply to Kim Hong-sang’s opinion piece titled “Impacts on agriculture from Korea’s 20-year FTAs” on the June 14th issue, I would thank him, president of the Center for Food, Agricultural & Rural Policy, for his brief overview of how Korea’s agricultural sector fared in the recent past. I read with interest and noted the strong need for more reporting on this sector — the ‘bread and butter’ or ‘rice bowl’ of the nation.

While many Koreans happily left agricultural jobs, the important issue of food security stayed on the farms and on tables all over the nation. I don’t want to eat my words, as in the past I argued for more open and liberal agricultural markets in Korea, but it seems that more open markets have also left the door open to price swings and food inflation that affects everyone.

How do we strike a balance — and will the current government pay attention to the critical issue of food security/insecurity and social changes in the rural areas? Who’s taking care of the small farmers in places like Yongheung island and in South Jeolla?

One of my best memories of celebrating Chuseok and summer in Korea was the wide and affordable selection of fruit and vegetables to be had ‘in season’. We note that Koreans are paying some high prices for the things we took for granted, ranging from the delicious Korean grapes and pears to the basics of our kitchen, garlic and chili peppers.

I remember spending some wonderful Chuseok holidays in South Jeolla and on tiny Yongheung island enjoying the views of the ocean, plentiful fresh produce and the exceptional hospitality of the Korean people. When it came to everything from grapes to garlic, ‘home grown’ or ‘kuk-san’ food was always on the table.

As the author noted, Koreans have adapted and adjusted to new crops and market realities. My wife and I pray that some small part of Korea still remains on Korean tables and plates so that some will remember the remarkable magic Korean farmers put into the soil. Hard work and heart, hats off to Korean farmers!

Mike Sluchinski, a Canadian citizen