The Korea Rural Economic Institute (KREI, President Han Doo Bong) and the Korea-America Economic Association (KAEA, President Jeong Kwang Soo) hosted the KREI-KAEA Joint Conference under the theme "Economic Challenges and Policy Implications in the Era of Uncertainty" on the 20th at the KREI conference hall.

This conference was co-organized with the KAEA to share recent research trends and to prepare the capacity to respond to uncertainties in the overall Korean economy, not just in agriculture.

Before the conference, Professor Choi Jae-Won from the Department of Economics at Seoul National University gave a honorary lecture, explaining that "in an era of low interest rates, enhancing growth drivers for companies is effective for improving stock market returns and adding value."

In the first presentation, Dr. Kim Yong Jee from the KREI analyzed that "the Agricultural Food Voucher Program results in higher spending on agricultural food by beneficiary households compared to cash-based support policies such as livelihood benefits." Following this, Professor Kang Man Ho from Georgia Tech argued that "well-designed regulations induce innovation and promote the transition to a green economy."

In the second session, Dr. Yeon Kwang Hoon from the KREI analyzed that "the Early Warning System for Food Poisoning in schools significantly reduces the occurrence of food poisoning incidents." Professor Lee Yong Suk from the University of Notre Dame revealed that "contrary to the belief that the use of robots replaces employment, the use of robots in nursing homes actually promotes employment."

The ensuing discussion was chaired by Kim Yong Lyoul, Director of the Rural & Environment Research Department at KREI, with participation from Professor Kim Kyu-Il of Michigan State University, Professor Lee Seok Bae of Columbia University, Eom Jin Young, Director of the Agroindustry Innovation Research Department at KREI, and Research Fellow Lim Young Ah.