South Korea Boosts Sustainable Farming with New Subsidies and Regulations
Seoul, Wednesday, 2 July 2025.
In July 2025, South Korea will introduce increased subsidies for environmentally friendly agriculture and tougher penalties for quarantine violations, aiming to reshape its agricultural sector.
A New Era in South Korea’s Agricultural Policies
Starting in July 2025, South Korea will enact a series of reforms designed to bolster sustainable farming practices through increased environmentally friendly subsidies. This marks the first such adjustment in seven years. The new initiative also includes permissions for constructing worker dormitories and climate shelters in agricultural promotion areas, effective from the start of the month. These measures underscore South Korea’s commitment to enhancing its agricultural infrastructure and supporting the wellbeing of its agricultural workforce [1].
Enhanced Subsidies and Regulatory Framework
From December 2025, South Korean farmers practicing organic and sustainable agriculture will receive increased direct payments, a move that reflects the government’s push towards environmentally accountable food production. The funding for organic farming will see an increase from previous rates of 70,000 KRW for organic and 50,000 KRW for non-pesticide crops to 95,000 KRW and 75,000 KRW respectively, with a cap on payments increased from 5 hectares to 30 hectares. This aims to make sustainable practices more feasible and profitable for farmers across the nation [1][2].
Quarantine and Pest Management Initiatives
Commencing September 19, 2025, South Korea will implement heightened penalties for individuals failing to comply with quarantine reporting obligations. This is in response to rising concerns over the protection of domestic agriculture from potentially invasive pests imported through mail and packages. This measure is one of over 160 changes introduced by 35 government agencies aimed at strengthening South Korea’s agricultural safety and sustainability [1].
FoodTech and Agritech Innovations
Alongside these direct agricultural reforms, South Korea is preparing to enforce the ‘FoodTech Industry Promotion Act’ beginning December 21, 2025. This law will lay down a legal framework for nurturing the FoodTech industry, promoting innovation in sustainable food production through technology. This includes support for specialist training, start-up financing, and fostering international collaborations to integrate cutting-edge technologies in agriculture, ensuring eco-friendly and efficient agri-solutions [1].