FMD, Bird Flu, and ASF Strike Yecheon Simultaneously... Government Launches 300 Billion Won Discount on Livestock Products

This year has seen successive outbreaks of animal diseases, including highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI), African swine fever (ASF), and foot-and-mouth disease in Yecheon. As these livestock epidemics spread simultaneously, the government is launching large-scale discount events, investing 300 billion won through next month to stabilize supply concerns.

Last month, consumer prices for livestock products in Daegu rose 3.7% year-on-year. Domestic beef prices recorded double-digit growth, while national prices for Hanwoo sirloin and chicken rose by around 20%. Prices of pork belly and eggs also increased by 6.2% and 7.1%, respectively. Consequently, at livestock sections in large supermarkets in the Daegu region, consumers are seen checking price tags and hesitating to add items to their carts. Daegu citizen Kang Hyo-ju stated that she has switched to consuming pork instead of beef due to rising meat prices.

The government plans to support a 20% discount on eggs and issue 20 billion won worth of vouchers for agricultural, livestock, and fishery products at traditional markets each month. Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Song Mi-ryung announced on the 7th that the pace of egg price declines is slowing and that 230 million eggs are currently being imported.