April 12, 2007

South Korea to help hog farmers hit by FTA
 

South Korea's government has announced its intention to provide aid to hog farmers affected by the recent Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US.

As part of the FTA, pork imports are expected to reach duty-free status within the next 10 years, which would affect domestic hog farmers.

Vice finance minister Kim Seok-dong said apart from hog farmers, those who raise cattle or grow produce including tangerines and beans are eligible to receive official direct payments for earnings losses and closures.

The government would establish an assistance fund to provide resources to farmers in coming years, Kim added.