South Korea to open farmland-survey advice centre on October 12
In short
South Korea's agriculture ministry and Korea Rural Community Corporation said they will open a farmland-survey advice centre on October 12. The service, available by phone at 1811-8852, will explain speculation categories, unlawful conversion and support programmes.
Read the full story 1 min read
South Korea's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and Korea Rural Community Corporation announced on October 11 that a telephone advice centre for the comprehensive farmland survey will begin operating on October 12. The corporation will run the service. Farmers and other members of the public can call 1811-8852 to receive guidance, according to Newsis and Yonhap. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
The ministry said the centre will explain follow-up measures related to the survey and support available to prevent unfair disadvantages during the process. Its main subjects include whether cases fall within the government's three categories of farmland speculation or constitute serious unlawful conversion, information on government policy, and links to farmland-bank support programmes. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Newsis and Yonhap described the speculation categories as acquiring farmland falsely in land-transaction permit zones and then leaving it fallow without authorisation or leasing it illegally; acquiring shared farmland interests through auctions or similar means and then leaving it fallow without authorisation or leasing it illegally; and agricultural corporations using farmland to operate real-estate businesses. Newsis and Asia Economy reported that illegally installing non-agricultural facilities, such as campsites or storage yards, in agricultural promotion areas constitutes serious unlawful conversion. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
The centre will also explain programmes for older farmers and others who have difficulty continuing to farm. These include entrusted leasing, purchases of farmland for public rental and farmland pensions. The ministry and corporation plan to connect the centre with farmer organisations to hear questions and difficulties directly. Asia Economy also reported that the ministry said on October 8 that ordinary farmland-law violations unrelated to speculation would not be subject to disposition measures based on this survey's results. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Why it matters
The ministry said the centre is intended to reduce confusion and concerns during the comprehensive farmland survey and help prevent unfair disadvantages. It will also explain farmland-bank support for people who have difficulty farming, including older farmers.
Key facts
- The advice centre begins operating on October 12 and will be run by Korea Rural Community Corporation. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Members of the public can seek advice by calling 1811-8852. [ 1 , 3 ]
- The service covers three farmland-speculation categories and serious unlawful conversion. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Support information includes entrusted leasing, farmland purchases for public rental and farmland pensions. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]