Assemblyman Lee Gae-ho Elected as Chair of the Agriculture, Forestry, Livestock, Food, and Maritime Affairs Committee

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Rep. Lee Gae-ho (The Democratic Party, Damyang·Hampyeong·Yeonggwang·Jangseong) was elected as the Chairperson of the Agriculture, Forestry, Livestock, Food, and Maritime Affairs Committee for the first half of the 21st National Assembly.

On the afternoon of the 29th, Rep. Lee was elected with 180 out of 181 total votes in the plenary session held at the National Assembly for the election of the standing committee chairperson of the Agriculture, Forestry, Livestock, Food, and Maritime Affairs Committee.

Rep. Lee stated, "I feel a heavy responsibility in taking on the important role of chairperson of the National Assembly's Agriculture, Forestry, Livestock, Food, and Maritime Affairs Committee, which is responsible for our country's food security amid the COVID-19 crisis," adding, "I will do my best to ensure that our agriculture, fisheries, and rural areas can continuously develop by finding new growth engines through policy preparation and budget allocation that align with the perspectives of farmers and fishermen in this rapidly changing environment."

He continued, "Since agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and livestock are directly related to the public's diet and food security, there should be no division between ruling and opposition parties. Based on cooperation, I will make every effort to operate the standing committee so that both parties can work together toward the common goal of supporting agriculture and fishermen."

Meanwhile, Rep. Lee, a three-term lawmaker, served as the secretary and acting chairperson of the Agriculture, Forestry, Livestock, Food, and Maritime Affairs Committee during the first half of the 20th National Assembly. He is praised for smoothly managing the committee by leading dialogue and compromise with the opposition party, including the introduction of the Rural Coexistence Fund and the amendment of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act.

Additionally, as the 64th Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, he laid the foundation for major agricultural reforms such as stabilizing rice prices and introducing the public interest direct payment system, earning a reputation within the National Assembly for his experience and expertise regarding the committee's current issues.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.