The Korea Rural Economic Institute (KREI) held a policy forum on "Mid- and Long-term Rice Supply-Demand Stabilization" from 2 p.m. on December 9 at aT Center.

The debate aimed to share the current status of the rice supply-demand imbalance and the seriousness of the problem among experts and stakeholders interested in the rice industry and policy, and to discuss and seek for solutions.
 
KREI research director Park Donggyu said in his presentation that rice supply has exceeded demand since 2000 due to the agricultural policy focused on rice and changes in food consumption patterns. He also forecasted that the oversupply would continue in the mid and long term.

In the discussion, diverse solutions were presented to address excessive rice stocks. Many participants agreed that rice should be used for brewing, processing, and feed to solve the current rice stock problem and a stable supply system for the industry should be established.