Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp faces scrutiny over egg imports and storage

During a National Assembly audit, the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp (aT) faced intense criticism regarding the high-cost import of Brazilian eggs and delays in expanding public food storage facilities.

Acting President Kim Chang-guk defended the import of 1.12 million Brazilian eggs as a pilot project intended to diversify supply chains and reduce reliance on U.S. imports. Lawmakers questioned the economic efficiency of the move, noting that eggs were imported at approximately 1,464 won each but distributed domestically for 143 won, leading to allegations of budget waste. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs stated that the high import price reflected long-distance air freight costs.

Additionally, lawmakers criticized aT for failing to follow through on plans to build new public storage facilities, instead relying heavily on private warehouses. Critics noted that 94% of discarded stockpiled agricultural products this year came from private storage, despite significant expenditures on private warehouse fees. aT officials responded that expanding facilities requires extensive financial coordination and that plans for regionalizing storage are being considered following the sale of aging facilities.