South Korea’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Song Mi-ryung said the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) could threaten the country’s agricultural production base while also creating opportunities to expand agri-food exports. She said it would be premature to prepare supplementary or compensatory measures on the assumption that South Korea will join, stressing that such measures should be considered only after an accession decision. The government would not pursue accession if it conflicts with national interests or public sentiment, she said. Song acknowledged farmers’ concerns about CPTPP members’ agricultural strength but cautioned against excessive fear based on earlier trade agreements. She cited the 2004 Korea-Chile Free Trade Agreement (FTA), under which grapes became the top fresh produce category in K-Food export value despite earlier predictions of severe damage to domestic growers. She cautiously forecast grape exports of $100 million this year. Song also pointed to sharply rising Hanwoo beef and Handon pork exports after quarantine negotiations with Singapore concluded last November. Separately, she said South Korea’s annual obligation to import 220,000 tons of soybeans under WTO and FTA agreements had been met, while 21,000 tons had been allocated domestically and 9,000 tons imported. She said a nationwide farmland survey would establish ownership and usage data, update outdated systems and distinguish speculative activity from elderly farmers unable to cultivate their land. Song also said the government would actively cooperate with housing construction linked to the relocation of Gwacheon Racecourse Park. The Korea Racing Authority is expected to decide the relocation method by September, using proceeds from selling the current site to cover costs, while any relocation of its headquarters is expected to be addressed in the second round of public-institution relocation measures in the fourth quarter.