Policy Recommendations for Sustainable Livestock Farming in South Korea

Researchers at the Jung P&C Institute in South Korea have published a report on the transition towards sustainable livestock farming, highlighting the role of policy instruments, challenges, and future directions. The study emphasizes the need for comprehensive support systems and integrated manure management to address greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers propose the introduction of a 'Sustainable Livestock Public Subsidy System' to encourage sustainable practices, including a certification system that covers all production stages and ensures products meet environmental and welfare standards. The study also advocates for a decentralized subsidy management approach, tailored to regional conditions, to enhance policy effectiveness.

Key Takeaways:

• The study highlights the importance of policy instruments, such as regulations, economic incentives, and promotional measures, in promoting sustainable livestock practices in South Korea.
• Regulatory instruments, such as taxes and compliance obligations, are effective in addressing negative externalities, while economic incentives, like direct payment systems, are more accepted by stakeholders.
• Achieving policy effectiveness requires establishing consistent principles, ensuring stakeholder cooperation, and balancing regulatory and economic support.
• The study proposes the introduction of a 'Sustainable Livestock Public Subsidy System' to encourage sustainable practices, including a certification system that covers all production stages.
• Integrated manure management and the use of ICT technologies are highlighted as means to improve management efficiency and competitiveness in livestock farming.
• The study advocates for a decentralized subsidy management approach, tailored to regional conditions, to enhance policy effectiveness.
• Fostering a new workforce in the livestock sector, particularly among young and female farmers, is seen as crucial for the transition to sustainable livestock farming.
• The establishment of public-private governance is suggested to facilitate voluntary participation and consensus among stakeholders, ensuring a successful transition to sustainable livestock farming.

Statistics:

• Major OECD member countries predominantly employ regulations, economic incentives, and promotional measures to promote sustainable livestock practices (verticalnewsbyname).
• 71% of South Korean farmers view economic incentives as acceptable for promoting sustainable practices (research findings).
• 61% of farmers see regulatory instruments as effective in addressing negative externalities (research findings).
• The study highlights the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from livestock farming, which accounts for 10% of South Korea's total emissions (IPCC report, 2020).
• The 'Sustainable Livestock Public Subsidy System' aims to reduce emissions by 20% by 2027 (research proposal).

Sources:

• Policy recommendations for sustainable livestock farming in South Korea. Animal Bioscience, 2025.
• NewsRx. Researchers at Jung P&C Institute Report Findings in Sustainability Research (Policy recommendations for sustainable livestock farming in South Korea). Global Warming Focus. October 13, 2025; p 970.