Farmers in South Korea's apple sector, particularly in North Gyeongsang Province, are expressing unease regarding potential imports of American apples amid trade talks with the U.S. The province, including areas such as Cheongsong, recently experienced large-scale wildfires in March, exacerbating existing agricultural challenges. One Cheongsong farmer remarked, "We're already struggling with aging rural populations, climate anomalies, and rising production costs. If American apples are brought in, we'll have no choice but to quit farming. This is a crisis on top of a crisis."
Cheongsong produced 75,000 tons of apples, contributing to 14% of South Korea's total output last year. The northeastern Gyeongsang region spans 9,362 hectares, around 28% of the nation's apple cultivation. Local councils and agricultural groups are intensifying their lobbying efforts, calling for a halt to any plans of importing U.S. apples, citing severe consequences for domestic growers.
Source: Korea Post
