Government checks farm product supplies ahead of forecast heat waves, tropical nights

The government has moved to tighten management of farm and livestock product supplies as forecasters warn of a summer marked by frequent heat waves and tropical nights.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said Vice Minister Kim Jong-gu visited the Nonghyup Hanaro Mart Yangjae branch in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on Sunday to review supply conditions and price trends for major agricultural and livestock products.

The Korea Meteorological Administration has forecast that temperatures this summer will run above seasonal averages, with heat waves and tropical nights occurring more frequently. Concerns over abnormal weather patterns, including the possible onset of El Niño, have heightened the risk of greater price volatility in farm and livestock products.

During the visit, Kim met with retail industry officials to assess crop growth conditions, shipment trends and shifts in consumer demand for key agricultural and livestock products.

He also reviewed the operation of the government's agricultural and livestock product discount support project, checking whether the program is running smoothly so that consumers can feel the benefit of the discounts.

The Agriculture Ministry said it will strengthen item-by-item monitoring to prepare for potential supply disruptions caused by changing summer weather conditions, and will deploy available tools — including government stockpiles and discount support — if needed.

"Price volatility in agricultural and livestock products can increase during summer due to weather changes," Kim said. "We will closely monitor supply and demand conditions for each item and do everything we can to manage supplies."