Policy Directions for Sustainable Agriculture and Water Environment Improvement
- Author Kang, Hyeongsik
- Researchers Hwang, Hasun;Jeong, Ayoung;Jung, Hoseung;Kim, Hojeong;Kim, Soohong;Lee, Seungsoo;Oa, Seongwook;Shin, Jeongwoo
-
Date
2023-10-31
Ⅰ. Introduction
ㅇAfter the 1990s, in order to ease the pressure for market liberalization, efforts were made to enhance agricultural competitiveness and undertake structural adjustments through mechanization, modernization, and subsidies, leading to increased productivity. However, due to changes in consumption patterns and the consequent increase in meat consumption, the livestock population has explosively grown, surpassing the limits of livestock waste recycling for a long time. Additionally, the usage of pesticides and fertilizers is at the highest levels among OECD countries.
ㅇSustainable agriculture should maintain a balance among the three axes of the economy, society, and the environment. However, South Korea’s agricultural policies have historically been concentrated on food production in the economic sector, leading to relatively low levels of sustainability in the environmental and social aspects. Even the OECD has expressed concerns about the potential negative impacts of South Korea’s agriculture on the environment, raising alarms about the sustainability of agriculture in the country.
ㅇ Therefore, to enhance the sustainability of agriculture, it is crucial to manage environmental impacts above all else. The government has made various efforts over the past decades in this regard; however, with negative environmental impacts continuing to persist, there is a demand for a thorough examination of the root causes and the presentation of solutions for resolution.
ㅇ In particular, there is a need for careful consideration of fundamental alternatives to enhance polic
ㅇAfter the 1990s, in order to ease the pressure for market liberalization, efforts were made to enhance agricultural competitiveness and undertake structural adjustments through mechanization, modernization, and subsidies, leading to increased productivity. However, due to changes in consumption patterns and the consequent increase in meat consumption, the livestock population has explosively grown, surpassing the limits of livestock waste recycling for a long time. Additionally, the usage of pesticides and fertilizers is at the highest levels among OECD countries.
ㅇSustainable agriculture should maintain a balance among the three axes of the economy, society, and the environment. However, South Korea’s agricultural policies have historically been concentrated on food production in the economic sector, leading to relatively low levels of sustainability in the environmental and social aspects. Even the OECD has expressed concerns about the potential negative impacts of South Korea’s agriculture on the environment, raising alarms about the sustainability of agriculture in the country.
ㅇ Therefore, to enhance the sustainability of agriculture, it is crucial to manage environmental impacts above all else. The government has made various efforts over the past decades in this regard; however, with negative environmental impacts continuing to persist, there is a demand for a thorough examination of the root causes and the presentation of solutions for resolution.
ㅇ In particular, there is a need for careful consideration of fundamental alternatives to enhance polic