The government will increase the market supply of price-rising items such as napa cabbage and radish ahead of the kimchi-making season. The contracted cultivation volume for napa cabbage will be increased by 10% and for radish by 14% compared to last year. The plan also includes supporting discounts of up to 40% on napa cabbage and radish prices at supermarkets and traditional markets nationwide to reduce the burden on consumers.

Song Miryung, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, is speaking at the Min-Dang-Jeong consultation meeting on measures to stabilize the supply of kimchi ingredients held at the National Assembly on the 23rd. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

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The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, and the People Power Party held a public-party-government consultative meeting on the 23rd and announced the 'Kimchi Ingredient Supply Stabilization Measures' more than 10 days earlier than usual to ease the burden on the public during the kimchi-making season.

Going forward, the government will maximize the supply of kimchi ingredients by utilizing contracted cultivation and reserve volumes. Napa cabbage and radish will be intensively supplied during the peak season from contracted cultivation volumes (24,000 tons of napa cabbage and 9,100 tons of radish). This is an increase of 10% for napa cabbage and 14% for radish compared to last year. In addition, on days when prices soar due to adverse weather, the government will maintain a certain level (1,000 tons) of reserve stock that can be immediately released to the market.

Government reserve stocks of chili peppers, garlic, onions, and Cheonil salt will also be supplied to traditional markets, wholesale markets, and large retailers. 1,000 tons of imported chili peppers will be released early to chili powder processors later this month. 500 tons each of domestic garlic and onions will be supplied to wholesale markets and others starting early next month. Some of these volumes will be supplied directly to large supermarkets for discounted sales.

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The government will reduce consumer burden by up to 50% through agricultural and fishery product discount support. For agricultural products, napa cabbage, radish, and other price-rising items will be sold at discounts of up to 40% at 18,300 locations nationwide, including large and small supermarkets and traditional markets, until December 4. For seafood, the 'Korea Seafood Festa' will be held from the 20th to the 30th of next month, offering up to 50% discounts on kimchi ingredients such as Cheonil salt, salted shrimp, anchovy fish sauce, and oysters.

Safety management will also be strengthened, including inspections of origin labeling and residual pesticide testing for kimchi ingredients. The government plans to provide timely information related to the supply of kimchi ingredients to help consumers make informed decisions.

Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Song Mireyong said, "The supply conditions for kimchi ingredients are generally favorable this year," and added, "There were concerns about the supply of napa cabbage due to the summer heat wave, but thanks to the active cultivation management efforts of farmers, the supply will be stable." He continued, "We will do our utmost in cooperation with relevant ministries and agencies to reduce the burden on consumers during the kimchi-making season."

Click to check the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs' measures