Decision-Making and Its Specification Process of Food Policy in Korea

Abstract

Since the Military Revolution in 1961 Korean government oficials have been concerned about solving problems involved in agricultural or food policy. However, farmers are still kept in a predicament mainly due to the improperties contained in the policy-making process. In this study, to define the reasons for the dificulties involved in food policy, policy-making process as well as its specifications were examined based on the objectives, particapants, and the contents of food policy in Korea. Because policy-making is largely dependent upon political or administrative structures, a comparative study was conducted to see the radical changes in food policy before and after the Yu-shin Revitalizing Reformation in 1972. Before the Reformation, farmers fell victim for the economic development which was the moral obligations of the military government. Thus top priority in food policy was set on price stabilitation rather than achieving self-suficient food supply or boosting farmers' incomes. Likewise government oficials were more concerned about politics, that is, winning elections. However, political concern has become less decisive after the Reformation, and administrative power has become more dominant in terms of policy-making. In addition to such a change, food supply situation has deteriorated due to poor harvests and the public's improved diet. Therefore, rice price has been maintained at a considerably high level, and government oficials have become aware of the importance of boosting farmers' incomes. But there still is a room for improvement on the part of participants.