Choi Taerim, a member of the Gyeongbuk Provincial Council (People Power Party, Uiseong 1), has urged immediate support measures for apple growers affected by severe heat damage. Speaking at the Gyeongbuk Provincial Council on November 4, he called for the damage caused by abnormal weather to be officially recognized as a "climate disaster" and for rapid relief actions to be taken.
Choi said that continuous high temperatures and abnormal weather patterns since last year have caused extensive heat damage to apple orchards across Gyeongbuk, one of South Korea's main fruit-producing regions. "Due to persistent high temperatures and abnormal weather conditions continuing from last year into this year, severe heat damage has occurred, particularly affecting the major apple varieties in Gyeongbuk, causing significant hardships for farmers' livelihoods. Since Gyeongbuk accounts for more than 60% of the nation's apple production, the damage here directly translates into a crisis for the entire national fruit industry," he said.
He also criticised the current crop disaster insurance system, pointing out that "since heat damage is classified as a 'physiological disorder,' it is excluded from compensation, leaving farmers to bear the full brunt of losses caused by climate change. The system, which should serve as the last line of support for farms, is turning a blind eye to reality."
Choi called on both the central government and Gyeongsangbuk-do authorities to take urgent action. His proposals include revising crop insurance to cover heat-related damage, expanding the government's purchase of apples for processing, and investing in infrastructure to help orchards adapt to higher temperatures.
He concluded by stating, "Farmers should no longer be unilateral victims of the climate crisis," and urged, "Gyeongbuk Province and the central government must take responsible action and devise effective and fundamental countermeasures so that farmers can recover."
Source: AsiaBusinessDaily
