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Korea drives APEC's commitment toward food security
Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Song Mi-ryung speaks during a press conference at Sheraton Grand Incheon Hotel, Sunday. Courtesy of Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
By Ko Dong-hwan
Minister highlights Seoul's leadership for sustainable agricultural measures
INCHEON — Members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) agreed to seek sustainable agricultural measures against climate change and rising uncertainties in global supply chains, adopting a joint statement that underscored the value of mutual cooperation and investment.
Korea's Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Song Mi-ryung said Korea has demonstrated its leadership in safeguarding global food security by renewing APEC's commitment to sustainable agricultural measures, adding that all member states identified "technology" as the key to tackling challenges.
During the APEC Food Security Ministerial Meeting in Incheon, top agriculture officials of 21 APEC member economies adopted the joint statement, highlighting their cooperation in agricultural policy, technological development and official development assistance (ODA).
“Seoul has secured global leadership in establishing sustainable food security across the globe by drawing countries to select the joint statement on digital-based agricultural innovation and countermeasures against climate change,” Song said.
“Prior to the meeting, 16 countries prepared and submitted very detailed and carefully prepared interim reports for the 2021-30 roadmap we had agreed on in an APEC meeting in 2021. The level of efforts by those countries was exceptional, considering many countries typically pass on the interim report.”
The APEC meeting on Saturday and Sunday addressed various model cases and challenges from the participating countries in terms of trade, technological cooperation, ODA-related businesses and rural revitalization. She added that Korea has stood out by making exemplary proposals for the challenges, leading the member economies and shaping common solutions based on digital transformation and boosting productivity.
“We have witnessed Korea’s exceptional brand values and global competitiveness through our agrotech, food products, and smartfarm solutions," she said.
"Following this meeting, we will start diversifying our trade channels and further strengthening competence for food security for Korea and the globe. Our diplomatic channels for agricultural trade have so far been rather limited. Now, we will shape more strategic partnerships with countries in Central America and Southeast Asia.”
A Hada official explains the company's autonomous orchard spraying robot, Purida, at Songdo Convensia in Incheon, Sunday. Korea Times photo by Ko Dong-hwan
As the chair country for this year’s APEC food security meeting, Korea put on a particularly memorable banquet for the participants on Saturday by inviting leaders of local farmers. This included presidents of the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation and the Korea Livestock Organizations Council.
“They introduced themselves to the dignitaries of the banquet and gave a few words and toasts. The banquet foods were prepared with ingredients grown by our local farmers and we thought inviting the two leaders was really meaningful to the event,” the minister said.
The joint statement, adopted at the meeting’s venue at Songdo Convensia, endorsed innovation in agricultural technologies, data sharing among member economies for stronger global supply chains, reducing the digital gap in developing nations, revitalizing rural regions, promoting free trade and strengthening private-public partnership.
Song noted that the meeting reaffirmed that climate change and demographic shifts are serious shared challenges, adding that "all members pointed to technology as their primary response, and all member nations mentioned digital technology as solutions."
The ministry showcased at the venue Korea’s latest agrotech solutions developed by private firms and state-run researchers which maximize efficiency in productivity and minimize environmental toll.
LS Tractor’s autonomous tractor allows straight-line perfection and minimum overlap and boosts output by up to 7 percent by reducing operational time. UBN introduced its generative artificial intelligence (AI)-based vertical, modular, and aeroponic indoor farming solutions that minimize energy and water consumption. SN Solutions exhibited its autonomous mowing robot equipped with AI camera designed for tough terrains, while Hada introduced its unmanned orchard spraying robot which runs eight blowers autonomously and can also be controlled remotely.
Song continues her state meetings on food security on Monday, hosting a trilateral summit with her counterparts from Japan and China.