Park Yong-geun, a member of the Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province Council (Jangsu, Democratic Party), expressed strong concerns about the government's plan to reduce direct payments to small farmers during the 4th plenary session of the 417th extraordinary session held on the 3rd, and urged for an expansion of the system.

Referring to the 'Basic Plan for the First Public Direct Payment System for 2025-2029' announced by the government at the end of last year, Park criticized the principle of reducing direct payments to small farmers mentioned in the plan as "an act that threatens the sustainability of agriculture and the survival rights of farmers."

He emphasized that small farmers, who constitute the absolute majority in the agricultural structure of South Korea, are not just a simple group of producers but are the roots of rural communities and the core entities of local economies. He stated, "Maintaining small farmers is synonymous with the survival of rural communities."

Regarding the government's stance that direct payments to small farmers encourage land fragmentation or delay the retirement of elderly farmers, he pointed out, "There is some validity to the concerns," but also stated, "This is not a flaw in the direct payment system but a problem resulting from the lack of policy improvements." He further argued, "Discussing reduction instead of resolving the issues with the system is a misguided choice that accelerates the collapse of rural areas."

Park defined direct payments to small farmers not just as welfare support but as "strategic investment for the sustainability of rural areas," and emphasized the need for expansion rather than reduction at the current juncture. He stated, "Small farmers are the most vulnerable group to economic shocks, and many of them have little to no income sources outside of agriculture," adding, "Providing them with a stable income base is the duty of the state."

Lastly, Park urged, "The government must significantly expand direct payments to small farmers to ensure the public value of agriculture and the survival rights of farmers," and called for practical and sustainable measures to protect rural communities and revive local economies.