With rising tensions in the Middle East leading to increased oil prices and logistics instability, the South Korean government has initiated measures to minimize the impact on the agricultural sector. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has announced plans to diversify import sources for fertilizers, particularly urea, to stabilize supply and prices. Currently, approximately 38.4% of urea is imported through the Strait of Hormuz, making the country vulnerable to supply disruptions and price increases if the situation escalates further.

In the recent meeting headed by Minister Song Mi-ryeong, the Ministry confirmed that while immediate supplies of international grain and processed food materials are secured up until September, indirect cost increases due to currency fluctuations and shipping rate hikes pose significant risks to consumers. To alleviate the burden on farmers, the Ministry is collaborating with relevant departments to support raw material purchasing funds and aims to keep fertilizer price hikes to a minimum. Additionally, the government is enhancing price monitoring to prevent higher consumer grocery prices.

The growing risks in the Middle East are also affecting the agricultural export sector, with rising logistical costs and shipment insurance surcharges as air transport halts and access to the Hormuz Strait becomes more challenging. To support export companies heavily reliant on Middle Eastern markets, the Ministry is utilizing export vouchers and planning further logistical support measures. Furthermore, aid for facilities and livestock farms is being developed to address increasing operational costs stemming from higher oil prices and commodity prices, emphasizing real-time monitoring of market conditions to ensure farmers receive necessary support.