The article discusses the plight of domestic flower farmers in South Korea facing a crisis due to the indiscriminate importation of flowers following the signing of the Strategic Economic Cooperation Agreement (SECA) between Korea and Ecuador. Farmers, frustrated by the influx of imported flowers, protest the potential extinction of their businesses, demanding amendments to the Flower Industry Promotion Act for the protection of domestic flower farmers. Additionally, it highlights the impact of rising flower prices at the Yangjae Flower Market, attributing the decrease in customers to both economic factors and reduced student numbers.
Blooming Crisis: Korean Flower Farmers Fight for Survival Amid Import Onslaught
In the serene fields of Daedong-myeon, Gimhae-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, the heartbreaking scene unfolded on the 11th. A diligent farmer, adorned with a headband, reluctantly plowed over meticulously cultivated roses, gerberas, and chrysanthemums. Frustration and anger resonated as flowers, vibrant and fragrant, were cast aside, cut into fragments, and buried in the soil.
Representatives from flower farming associations, including the Busan Gyeongnam Flower Producers Association, gathered, expressing discontent over the crisis faced by domestic flower farmers. The indiscriminate importation of flowers following the SECA agreement with Ecuador jeopardizes the industry's sustainability, according to Oh Wan-seok, co-chairman of the Busan Gyeongnam Producers' Association.
"Carnation farmers face virtual closure due to excessive imports, and chrysanthemum farmers contemplate career changes," bemoaned Oh Wan-seok. The looming threat of low-priced Ecuadorian roses flooding the market poses a grave concern, as domestic roses struggle to compete.
Jeong Soo-young, president of the Gyeonggi-do Rose Research Association, criticized the government's flower import policies, emphasizing the stark contrast in prices between Ecuadorian and domestic roses. As protests intensify, farmers urge the government and the National Assembly to pass amendments to the Flower Industry Promotion Act, incorporating mandatory country of origin labeling.
Amid this turmoil, the Yangjae Flower Market, the nation's largest, bears witness to the economic toll. The market, usually bustling with activity, now echoes with a quieter atmosphere. Vendors, burdened by doubled rose prices in three years, express concerns over declining customer numbers. Economic factors and reduced student populations contribute to this downturn.
The hope among vendors is palpable, with a desperate wish for an economic recovery before upcoming events like graduation ceremonies. The struggle of Korean flower farmers reflects not only economic challenges but also the delicate balance between global economic agreements and the preservation of local industries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Why are domestic flower farmers protesting?
- Domestic flower farmers protest due to the surge in indiscriminate flower imports after the signing of the Strategic Economic Cooperation Agreement (SECA) with Ecuador, threatening their livelihoods.
What are the farmers demanding from the government?
- The farmers demand amendments to the Flower Industry Promotion Act, including a mandatory country of origin label, to mitigate the damage caused by imports to domestic flower farmers.
How is the flower market affected by the situation?
- The Yangjae Flower Market experiences a decline in customers attributed to a significant increase in flower prices over the past three years. Vendors hope for an economic recovery by the time of upcoming events like graduation ceremonies.
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