Agricultural Cooperatives Council Adopts Resolution Requesting Cautious Reform of Cooperatives Law

The Federation of Item-Specific National Councils, a significant body representing 618 item-specific councils nationwide, has voiced its concerns regarding the proposed amendments to the Agricultural Cooperatives Law. In a resolution adopted on the 14th, the council chairmen expressed a cautious stance, acknowledging the problems within agricultural cooperatives that have surfaced during government audits and the public's concerns. They affirmed their respect for the government and the National Assembly's reform efforts and pledged to participate actively in making agricultural cooperatives more accessible to the public and farmers.

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We feel responsible for the problems within agricultural cooperatives revealed during the government audit period and the public's concerns. We respect the government and the National Assembly's efforts to reform agricultural cooperatives and will actively participate in the reform to bring agricultural cooperatives closer to the public and farmers.

However, the council highlighted potential adverse consequences if the current revision is implemented. These include an infringement on the autonomy of cooperatives, increased operational costs due to an external audit committee, and the potential politicization of agricultural cooperatives through the direct election of the central committee chairman. Ultimately, they argued, these changes could lead to disadvantages for farmers.

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If the currently proposed Agricultural Cooperatives Law revision is implemented, side effects such as infringement on cooperative autonomy, increased costs from operating an external audit committee, and politicization of agricultural cooperatives through direct election of the central committee chairman by members will occur, which could ultimately lead to damage to farmers.

Furthermore, the council expressed regret over the hasty nature of the proposed reforms, which they feel have not adequately incorporated the opinions of farmers. They stressed the importance of a prudent approach to reforming agricultural cooperatives, one that is grounded in extensive farmer consultation and broad public consensus. This approach, they insisted, must guarantee the autonomy and independence of agricultural cooperatives, as enshrined in the constitution and the Agricultural Cooperatives Law. This perspective, as reported by Dong-A Ilbo, reflects a deep-seated concern among agricultural stakeholders about preserving the cooperative's integrity and farmer-centric operations against potentially disruptive legislative changes.

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Prudent reform of agricultural cooperatives should be pursued based on broad farmer opinion and public consensus, ensuring the autonomy and independence of agricultural cooperatives as stipulated in the constitution and the Agricultural Cooperatives Law.