NEWS
SEOUL: PRODUCERS SHOULD MAKE MORE RICE WINES TO HELP SOLVE RICE GLUT ISSUE
By Susan Lewis
28-8-2024
Source: KookSoonDang
The South Korean government will encourage brewers and distillers to make more rice-based beverages in order to boost rice consumption to alleviate the problem of rice glut.
The country’s minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs, Song Mi-ryeong, said in a press conference today that the downward spiral of rice prices has put great pressure on local farmers, prompting the government to find ways to boost demand.
"We'll meet the country's traditional rice-based alcohol makers, share their views and engage them into boosting our new rice alcoholic drink market,” Song said.
A recent change to the country's tax law is also expected to aid traditional alcohol companies in supporting the ministry's latest efforts.
The recently revised Liquor Tax Act classifies rice-based alcoholic beverages as "takju" category, which includes traditional cloudy alcoholic beverages like makgeolli, and are entitled to a greater tax deduction than non-takju drinks.
Describing rice-based alcoholic beverages as one of the most "effective" ways to consume rice, Song pointed to the ongoing trend of young people increasingly drinking makgeolli, unrefined rice wine, and other traditional rice-based alcoholic beverages.
She cited the example of Japanese rice wines, or sake, and said their diversity across different regions is a model for the ministry's initiative.
A rapidly shrinking population and changes in dietary habits that have moved away from rice are the major reasons for the decline in rice consumption in South Korea.
"We saw 95,000 tons in stock by the end of last year," Song said. "This year, the government and the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation have altogether mass-purchased 300,000 tons from local rice farmers. But that wasn't enough to reduce the mounting stock,” Song told local media.
Song said she has advised rice farmers to reduce production and focus on growing higher-quality rice. She emphasized that it would be beneficial for local farmers to scale back production while the government seeks ways to increase and accelerate rice consumption.
(the writer can be contacted at: info@thewinechronicle.com)
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