Crop Science Approaches to Alleviate the Food Security Concerns in Korea

Unstable crop production and distribution affected by climate change and COVID-19 pandemic has raised the food security concerns worldwide. In particular, Russia's invasion to Ukraine has blocked the grain trade such as wheat and com to importing countries, which has aggravated the situation. Korea has relied on foreign imports for about 80% of domestic grain demand, raising great concerns on food security. Considering situations related to Korea's food security, some points in view of a crop scientist are suggested and discussed as follows; 1) Domestic production of major grain crops should be increased through encouraging farmers by appropriate governmental subsidy programs 2) International corporation should be strengthened and diversified for sustainable overseas agricultural development and for stable import even in case of food crisis and emergency. 3) Self-sufficiency target should be specified by law so that more budget investments could be put to alleviate the food security concerns. 4) Technologies for climate smart agriculture and for competitive agricultural products should be developed aided by social and governmental support.