The Korea Rural Economic Institute (KREI), led by President Han Doo Bong, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA), led by Minister Song Mi Ryeong, held a policy research consultation meeting on April 25th at the Sejong Best Western Hotel to address key agricultural issues and national policy responses.

The policy research consultation meeting was convened to actively respond to policy research directions and formulate agricultural policies in response to major agricultural issues. Minister Song Mi Ryeong and over 50 officials from various countries attended from MAFRA, while President Han Doo bong and around 60 researchers, including PhDs, attended from KREI.

The first session was held under the theme of "Stabilizing Livelihoods through Stable Agricultural and Livestock Supply." Hwang Yun-jae, Director of the Department of Food & Agriculture Economics Research at KREI, chaired the session. Researchers from KREI's Distribution Innovation Research Office, Livestock Economics Research Office, Horticulture Economics Research Office, and Grain Economics Research Office discussed various agricultural issues and shared mid- to long-term research roadmaps with MAFRA.

The second session focused on "Building a Strong Income and Management Safety Net to Ease Farming Burdens." Jeong Hak-Kyun, Director of the Department of Macro Agricultural Policy Research at KREI, chaired the session, where policy discussions were conducted by researchers from KREI's Agricultural Structure Research Office and Agricultural Labor Research Office.

The third session addressed "Future Growth Industrialization of Agriculture through Technological Innovation." Eom Jinyoung, Director of the Department of AgroIndustry Innovation Research at KREI, chaired the session, which involved participation from KREI's New Industry Research Office, Food Economics Research Office, and Companion Animal Welfare Research Division.

The final session was dedicated to discussing "Rural Policy for Revitalizing Rural Economy and Enhancing Public Functions." Kim Yong-ryul, Director of the Department of Rural Environment Research at KREI, chaired the session, during which research roadmaps were presented and policy sharing with MAFRA was conducted by researchers from KREI's Resource and Environmental Research Office and Rural Policy Research Office to explore ways to enhance cooperation.

President Han expressed his hope that the meeting would serve as an opportunity for mutual understanding and cooperation between MAFRA and KREI as agricultural partners. He also expressed his anticipation for the establishment of agricultural policies that are loved by the people and farmers through this consultation.