S. Korea's agro-forestry output hits record high in 2008

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By Lee Joon-seung
SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's production of agricultural and forestry
goods reached record-high levels last year due to favorable weather conditions
and a rise in prices, the government said Tuesday.
Total production, calculated by multiplying output with sales, grew 10.7 percent
from a year to 39.66 trillion won (US$31.87 billion) in 2008, according to the
Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
The figure is the highest reached since the ministry started compiling related
data in 1998. The previous record was set in 2004 when the country's total farm
and forestry output topped 37.28 trillion won.
"Overall weather conditions helped yield crops that fetched good prices, while
the livestock market was bolstered by an increase in the number of animals raised
and meat output," a ministry official said.
During 2008, production of agricultural goods such as grain, vegetables and
fruits increased 6.3 percent from a year ago.
A modest gain in demand for wood-based materials also contributed to forestry
output moving up 3.5 percent annually, according to the official.
Both grain and fruits posted positive gains of 19.0 percent and 6.2 percent,
respectively, with only vegetables losing ground.
Grains and fruits made up 26.7 percent and 7.6 percent, respectively, of all farm
sector production last year, with vegetables accounting for 18.2 percent.
Output of livestock and meat products, meanwhile, shot up 20.5 percent to 2.31
trillion won. Livestock made up 34.3 percent of all agriculture and forestry
production last year.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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