Urgent Need for Climate-Resistant Crops Amid Regulatory Challenges

As climate change accelerates, developing crop varieties resistant to extreme weather has become an urgent priority. However, South Korea’s agricultural industry faces significant hurdles due to stringent regulations. The Rural Development Administration (RDA) recently established a laboratory in Uruguay to develop drought-resistant soybean seeds, sidestepping domestic restrictions imposed by the Living Modified Organism (LMO) Act, which requires central administrative approval for genetically modified organisms.

South Korea, with a grain self-sufficiency rate of only 22%, is particularly vulnerable to "climate inflation," where food prices soar due to climate-induced agricultural disruptions. The rapid subtropicalization of the Korean Peninsula is pushing crops like apples and peaches further north, while rising temperatures and decreased sunlight are negatively impacting crop growth and increasing the prevalence of infectious diseases.

The urgency to develop "super varieties" capable of withstanding subtropical climates is clear. However, progress has been hampered by strong environmental opposition to genetic modification and the failure of legislative efforts to ease research restrictions. Despite the urgent need, the 21st National Assembly could not pass amendments to relax LMO study approvals and risk screening exemptions.

In contrast, the European Parliament has recently eased regulatory oversight of crops created through genetic correction, recognizing their necessity for agricultural sustainability amid the climate crisis. This bold move by the European Union underscores the importance of revising outdated regulations to ensure food security.

Experts highlight the need for comprehensive national measures to address the rapidly progressing subtropicalization of the Korean Peninsula. Former Korea Meteorological Administration head Nam Jae-cheol stressed the importance of economic security approaches, given the low domestic food self-sufficiency and high dependence on carbon-intensive industries. He pointed out that climate change will lead to decreased production in major agricultural countries, frequently affecting domestic prices.

The urgency is further underscored by the significant global impact of climate change. According to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), climate change has caused $2.245 trillion in damages worldwide over the past 20 years. Professor Kim Hyung-joon from KAIST and Professor Bae from Hanyang University emphasize the need for stronger linkage between administrative agencies and improved response manuals for local governments to handle frequent natural disasters effectively.

In conclusion, while the regulatory landscape poses challenges, the imperative to develop climate-resistant crops and implement comprehensive national measures is critical for ensuring South Korea’s agricultural sustainability and food security in the face of climate change.

The Rural Development Administration (RDA) has established a lab in Uruguay to develop drought-resistant soybean seeds due to restrictive domestic regulations.
The Low Grain Self-Sufficiency Rate: South Korea, with a 22% grain self-sufficiency rate, is particularly vulnerable to "climate inflation."
Shifting Crop Geography: As the Korean Peninsula's climate warms, traditional crops like apples and peaches are moving northward.
Regulatory Hurdles: Environmental opposition and legislative gridlock have stalled genetic modification research.
Global Perspective: The EU has eased regulations on genetically modified crops to ensure agricultural sustainability.
Expert Insights: Urgent national measures are needed to combat subtropicalization and protect food security.

FAQs

Why did the RDA open a lab in Uruguay? The RDA opened a lab in Uruguay to bypass restrictive domestic regulations on genetic modification research.
What is the grain self-sufficiency rate in South Korea? South Korea's grain self-sufficiency rate is only 22%, making it highly susceptible to global food price fluctuations.
How is climate change affecting crop geography in Korea? Warming climates are pushing traditional crops like apples and peaches northward, altering the agricultural landscape.
Why has genetic modification research stalled in South Korea? Strong opposition from environmental groups and legislative hurdles have prevented significant progress in genetic modification research.
What measures are experts suggesting to address the agricultural impacts of climate change? Experts recommend revising outdated regulations, supporting R&D for new crop varieties, and improving carbon capture incentives.

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