Korea legislates law on sustainable growth of 'hanwoo' beef

Packaged beef products are displayed at a supermarket in Seoul, July 18. Courtesy of Nonghyup Hanaro Mart

Korea has legislated a law on promoting the sustainable growth of the "hanwoo," or premium Korean beef cattle, industry, the agriculture ministry said Tuesday.

Under the "hanwoo act," promulgated Tuesday, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs will devise a comprehensive plan for fostering the growth of the hanwoo industry every five years. The law is set to take effect one year after Wednesday.

The ministry will also push for research and development projects aimed at enhancing the quality of the premium Korean cattle breed and diversify their types to boost the product value of hanwoo beef.

"The hanwoo industry ranks third in production value after pork and rice in Korea, and it has the largest number of farming households in the livestock sector, making it a key sector for the rural economy," said An Yong-deok, director general of the livestock policy division at the ministry.

"With the legislation of the hanwoo act, the ministry will enhance our support system for strengthening the hanwoo industry's competitiveness and develop new policy measures to help stabilize the management of cattle farms."