GRAIN MANAGEMENT ACT

Article 1(Purpose) #

This Act aims to secure a stable supply of food through efficient supply and demand management of grains and the establishment of a grain securities settlement fund, thereby protecting the interests of producers and consumers by maintaining reasonable prices for grains, increasing the food self-sufficiency rate, strengthening food security, and enhancing the sustainability of agriculture, thereby contributing to the national economy. <Amended on Aug. 26, 2025>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 1, 2009]

Article 2(Definitions) #

The terms used in this Act have the following meanings: <Amended on Mar. 22, 2013; Aug. 26, 2025>

1. The term "grain" means rice, barley, wheat, oats, rye, etc. and other types of cereals and potatoes prescribed by Presidential Decree, and what is produced therefrom, such as ground grain, powdered grain, starch, and other equivalents which are prescribed by Presidential Decree;

2. The term "grain under government management" means grain the Government manages after having obtained by means of purchase from private sectors, importation from overseas, or other ways;

3. The term "government-purchased grain" means rice, wheat, soybeans, and other grain prescribed by Presidential Decree which are reserved by the Government after purchasing from private sectors at the market price in order to prepare for unstable supply and demand due to the shortage of grain and for an emergency, such as natural disasters;

4. The term "grain dealer" means a person whose business is to sell or purchase, or broker grain;

5. The term "grain processor" means a person whose business is to process grain, which serves as the base material, and who has filed a report under Article 19(1);

6. “Grain securities” refers to the law in force before December 31, 1999, before the former “Grain Securities Act” (Act No. 5662, Article 2 of the Supplementary Provisions of the Grain Securities Management Fund Act) was repealed. Refers to grain securities issued at the expense of the Grain Securities Management Fund (hereinafter referred to as “the same”).

7. The term "debt" means each of the following:

a. Outstanding balance of the principal and interest of grain bonds;

b. Outstanding balance of the principal and interest of grain loaned at the cost of the Food Grain Stock Consolidating Fund pursuant to the previous Grain Bonds Act before December 31, 1999;

c. Outstanding balance of the principal and interest of deposits received from the Public Capital Management Fund under Article 25(2)2.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 1, 2009]

Article 3(Formulation of supply and demand plans for grain) #

(1) The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs shall establish a supply and demand plan for rice and other grains prescribed by Presidential Decree (hereinafter referred to as the "grain supply and demand plan") every year.

(2) The grain supply and demand plan shall include the following items:

1. Basic goals and directions for grain supply and demand management;

2. Appropriate cultivation areas and targets for managing cultivation areas, taking into account the demand for and supply of grain;

3. Appropriate cultivation area and targets for managing cultivation areas for major crops determined by the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs among non-rice crops in paddy fields (hereinafter referred to as "other crops in paddy fields");

4. Results of the evaluation of performance in implementing the grain supply and demand plan for the preceding year;

5. Matters regarding the operation of grain under government management, such as the acquisition and sale thereof.;

6. Other matters deemed necessary by the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

(3) When the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs formulates a grain supply and demand plan under paragraph (1), the Minister shall reflect the results of deliberation by the Grain Supply and Demand Management Committee under Article 4 in advance.

(4) When the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs formulates a grain supply and demand plan under paragraph (1), the Minister shall publicly notify the plan as prescribed by Presidential Decree and submit it to the competent standing committee of the National Assembly without delay.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 26, 2025]

[Previous Article 3 moved to Article 6 <Aug. 26, 2025>]

Article 4(Grain Supply and Demand Management Committee) #

(1) The Grain Supply and Demand Management Committee (hereinafter referred to as the "Grain Committee") shall be established under the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to deliberate on important matters regarding the formulation and implementation of policies for the stabilization of supply and demand of grain.

(2) The Grain Committee shall deliberate on the following matters:

1. Formulation and implementation of grain supply and demand plans;

2. Formulation and implementation of government grain supply and demand plans under Article 6(1), including matters concerning the acquisition and sale of grain under government management;

3. The purchase price and purchase quantity of grain under Article 8(1);

4. Formulation and implementation of measures to stabilize the supply and demand of grain under Article 16(1);

5. Formulation and implementation of measures to stabilize the supply and demand of rice under Articles 16(2) and (3) and 16-2;

6. The adjustment of rice cultivation areas under Article 16-3;

7. Other matters prescribed by this Act to be subject to deliberation by the Grain Committee and matters recognized as necessary by the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs regarding the stabilization of supply and demand of grain.

(3) The Grain Committee shall be composed of no more than 15 members, including one chairperson. The chairperson shall be the Vice Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and the members shall be composed of ex officio members and appointed members. In this case, more than one-third of the committee members shall be representatives of producer groups related to grain supply and demand.

(4) Other matters necessary for the composition, operation, etc., of the Grain Committee shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 26, 2025]

[Previous Article 4 moved to Article 7 <Aug. 26, 2025>]

Article 5(Support for management of grain cultivation areas) #

(1) The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs may utilize the selective direct payment program under Article 21 of the Act on Operation of Direct Payment Program for Promoting Public Functions of Agriculture and Rural Communities if necessary for the implementation of the grain supply and demand plan.

(2) In addition to utilizing the selective direct payment program under paragraph (1), the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs may promote policies such as the creation of production complexes, support for facilities and equipment, and support for sales channels, and may provide financial support to farmers, etc. under subparagraph 2 of Article 3 of the Framework Act on Agriculture, Rural Community and Food Industry to promote such policies.

(3) To achieve the appropriate cultivation area and targets for managing cultivation areas for other crops in paddy fields under Article 3(2)3, the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs shall endeavor to provide sufficient financial support so that farmers, etc., may switch to or continue the cultivation of other crops in paddy fields.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 26, 2025]

[Previous Article 5 moved to Article 8 <Aug. 26, 2025>]

Article 5-2(Establishment and operation of rice supply and demand management system) #

(1) The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs may establish and operate a rice supply and demand management system to systematically collect, analyze, and manage statistics and observation data related to supply and demand, such as the production, demand, and inventory of rice, for the efficient management of the supply and demand of rice.

(2) The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs may request the submission of necessary data from relevant administrative agencies, related organizations or groups in order to establish and operate the rice supply and demand management system pursuant to Paragraph 1. In this case, the relevant administrative agency, related organization or group requested to submit the data must comply unless there is a special reason not to.

(3) The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs may entrust the establishment and operation of the rice supply and demand management system under paragraph (1) to a specialized agency prescribed by Presidential Decree.

(4) Matters necessary for the establishment and operation of the rice supply and demand management system under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 26, 2025]

Article 6(Formulation of supply and demand plans for grain under government management) #

(1) The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs shall establish a government-managed grain supply and demand plan (hereinafter referred to as the “government grain supply and demand plan”) every year. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Aug. 26, 2025>

(2) The government grain supply plan must include the following items: <Amended on Mar. 22, 2013; Mar. 23, 2013; Aug. 26, 2025>

1. Basic objectives and promotional direction for the control of supply of and demand for grain under government management;

2. Quantities of supply of and demand for grain under government management;

3. Matters regarding the management of appropriate inventory levels of grain under government management;

4. Matters regarding the operation of government-purchased grain;

5. Other matters deemed necessary by the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

(3) When the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs establishes a government grain supply plan pursuant to paragraph 1, he or she shall finalize it after deliberation by the Grain Committee, deliberation by the State Council, and approval by the President. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Aug. 26, 2025>

(4) The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs shall, in accordance with the Presidential Decree, announce the government grain supply plan confirmed pursuant to Paragraph 3 and submit it to the relevant standing committee of the National Assembly without delay. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Aug. 26, 2025>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 1, 2009]

[Moved from Article 3 <Aug. 26, 2025>]

Article 7(Purchase of grain and advance payment) #

(1) The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs may purchase grains necessary for the operation of the government grain supply and demand plan from producers or owners as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Aug. 26, 2025>

(2) In the case where the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs enters into a purchase agreement with a producer or owner pursuant to paragraph 1 and purchases grain, he or she may, notwithstanding Article (2)6 of the National Treasury Management Act, pay in advance a portion of the purchase agreement amount (hereinafter referred to as “down payment”) within the scope of the budget. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>

(3) When a producer or owner who receives an advance payment under paragraph (2) does not intend to fulfill all or part of the obligations under the purchase agreement, the producer or owner shall return the advance payment plus the agreed interest.

(4) Advance payment, agreed interest under paragraphs (2) and (3), and other matters necessary for a purchase agreement shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 1, 2009]

[Moved from Article 4 <Aug. 26, 2025>]

Article 8(Determination of purchase prices of grain) #

(1) When the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs purchases grains pursuant to Article 7, Paragraph (1), he or she shall determine the purchase price and quantity after deliberation by the Grain Committee, deliberation by the State Council, and approval by the President. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Aug. 26, 2025>

(2) In cases where the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs purchases grain from an owner pursuant to Article 7, Paragraph 1, the purchase price of the grain shall be the amount calculated by adding the incidental costs prescribed by the Decree of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to the price of the grain purchased by the owner. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Aug. 26, 2025>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 1, 2009]

[Moved from Article 5 <Aug. 26, 2025>]

Article 9(Sale of grain under government management) #

(1) The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs sells government-managed grains according to the following purposes. In this case, the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs may deliver grain to the purchaser even before receiving payment for the purpose prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>

1. For governmental use;

2. For processing;

3. For public use;

4. For private use;

5. For other uses prescribed by Presidential Decree.

(2) The selling price of government-managed grains pursuant to Paragraph 1 shall be determined by the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>

(3) If necessary to facilitate the distribution of government-managed grains, the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs may, notwithstanding paragraph 2, sell government-managed grains for processing or general sale through public bidding. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>

(4) The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs may establish qualification standards, such as facilities, for those who can purchase government-managed grains according to their intended use, may sell grains by designating their intended use, and may restrict use or disposal for purposes other than those designated. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>

(5) The qualification criteria for those who can purchase according to the purpose under Paragraph 4, the purpose designation, and other necessary matters shall be determined by a Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Decree. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 1, 2009]

Article 9-2(Restrictions on eligibility for purchase of grain under government management) #

If a person who has purchased government-managed grains sold pursuant to Article 9, Paragraph 1 falls under any of the following subparagraphs, the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs may restrict the purchaser's qualifications for government-managed grains for a period of up to one year in accordance with the provisions of the Decree of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. However, if it falls under No. 1, the purchase qualification must be restricted. <Amended on Jul. 21, 2011; Mar. 23, 2013; Jan. 6, 2015; Nov. 30, 2021>

1. Where the person meets the qualification requirements under Article 9(4) by fraud or other improper means;

2. Where the person uses or disposes of the grain for purposes other than those designated by the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs under Article 9(4);

3. With regard to the relevant grain, where the person violates the obligation to indicate the production year, quality, etc. under Article 20-2(1), makes a false or exaggerated indication or a false or exaggerated advertisement in violation of Article 20-3(1), or mixes rice, etc. and distributes or sells such rice mix, in violation of Article 20-4(2);

4. With regard to the relevant grain, where the person violates the obligation to indicate the place of origin under Article 5(1) or (3) of the Act on Origin Labeling of Agricultural and Fishery Products or conducts an act referred to in any subparagraph of Article 6(1) or (2) of the same Act;

4-2. With regard to the relevant grain, where the person violates the obligation to mark a label of genetically modified agricultural and fishery products under Article 56(1) of the Agricultural and Fishery Products Quality Control Act or conducts an act referred to in any subparagraph of Article 57 of the same Act;

5. Where the person fails to observe other matters prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to establish order in distribution of grain, such as the keeping of a grain management ledger.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 1, 2009]

Article 9-3(Inspection of storage conditions of grain under government management) #

(1) The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs shall inspect the storage conditions of storage facilities for grain under government management (hereafter in this Article referred to as "storage facilities"), as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

(2) If necessary to conduct an on-site inspection pursuant to paragraph 1, the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs may request the person managing the storage facility to submit relevant data. In this case, the person who has been requested to submit data must comply unless there is a special reason not to.

(3) The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs may publicize the results of the inspection of storage conditions, as prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, where necessary.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 26, 2025]

Article 9-4(Establishment and operation of comprehensive management system for grain under government management) #

(1) The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs may establish and operate a comprehensive management system for grain under government management to comprehensively manage and implement the acquisition, storage, processing, supply, etc., thereof.

(2) In order to manage and operate the government-managed grain comprehensive management system pursuant to paragraph 1, the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs may request the submission of necessary data or provision of information from persons delegated or entrusted with the management of government-managed grain pursuant to Article (2)9. In this case, a person who is requested to submit data or provide information must comply unless there is a special reason not to.

(3) Matters necessary for the establishment and operation of the comprehensive management system for grain under government management under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 26, 2025]

Article 10(Stockpiling and utilization of government-purchased grain) #

(1) The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs shall stockpile and manage public grain reserves in order to stably secure food for the people, and shall manage the stockpile of public grain reserves in consideration of food self-sufficiency rate goals, etc. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2013; Mar. 23, 2013; Aug. 26, 2025>

(2) When stockpiling and managing public grain reserves, the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs must meet the standards for exemption from domestic support reduction commitments under the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2013; Mar. 23, 2013>

(3) The purchase and sale price of public reserve grains shall be the market price at the time of purchase and sale in the purchase and sale area. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2013>

(4) Matters necessary for the stockpiling and operation of public grain reserves pursuant to Paragraphs 1 and 3, standards for market prices, etc. shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Mar. 22, 2013>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 1, 2009]

[Title Amended on Mar. 22, 2013]

Article 11(Exportation and importation of grain) #

The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs may import or export grains if he or she deems it necessary to adjust the supply and demand of grains. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 1, 2009]

Article 12(Permission for importation of rice) #

(1) Any person who wishes to import rice, ground products or powder made from rice, or other similar products as prescribed by Presidential Decree (hereinafter referred to as “rice subject to permit, etc.”) at the concession rate (hereinafter referred to as “concession rate”) applicable to the market access quantity in the Schedule of Concessions of the Republic of Korea under the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization must obtain permission from the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs by specifying the purpose of the rice subject to permit, etc., as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>

(2) Anyone who wishes to import grains other than rice, etc. subject to permit at the concessional rate or export grains specified by the Decree of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs must obtain a recommendation from the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>

(3) The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs may entrust the recommendation work for export or import of grains pursuant to Paragraph 2 to a non-profit corporation designated by the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. In this case, the recommended quantity and recommendation criteria for each item and other necessary matters are determined by the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>

(4) If the head of a relevant central administrative agency intends to approve the import of grains subject to a permit or recommendation provided by a foreign aid agency or foreign private aid organization in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, he or she must consult with the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs in advance, and if the import is approved after such consultation, it shall be deemed that a permit or recommendation has been obtained in accordance with Paragraph 1 or 2. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 1, 2009]

Article 13(Management of imported grain) #

(1) If the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs deems it particularly necessary for the regulation of supply and demand of grains and the management of imported grains, he or she may order the following matters to a person who imports grains with a permit or recommendation pursuant to Article (1)2, Paragraph (1) or 2 or who applies the quota tariff pursuant to Article 7(1) of the Customs Act, or a person who sells or processes the imported grains: However, matters under No. 1 may only be ordered to those subject to the imposition and collection of income tax pursuant to Article 13-2. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Aug. 26, 2025>

1. The price, method, and time of selling the imported grain;

2. Restrictions on the use of the imported grain;

3. Reports on the consumed volume and total stock of the imported grain.

(2) The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs shall conduct an annual survey on the domestic distribution of imported rice, etc. subject to approval pursuant to Article 1(2), Paragraph 1, and shall establish and implement management measures in consideration of domestic and international market conditions. <Added on Aug. 26, 2025>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 1, 2009]

Article 13-2(Collection of import profits) #

(1) The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs may impose and collect an import profit tax within the range of the difference between the domestic price and the import price, as prescribed by the Decree of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, on a person who imports grains with a permit or recommendation pursuant to Article (1)2, Paragraph (1) or 2 and who imports items prescribed by the Decree of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>

(2) The income profits under paragraph 1 shall be paid into the Grain Management Special Account under Article 3, Paragraph 3 of the Government Enterprise Budget Act, the Direct Payment Fund for the Promotion of Agricultural and Rural Public Interest Functions under Article (2)5 of the Act on the Operation of the Direct Payment System for the Promotion of Agricultural and Rural Public Interest Functions, or the Agricultural Product Price Stabilization Fund under Article 54 of the Act on the Distribution and Price Stabilization of Agricultural and Fishery Products, as prescribed by the Decree of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. <Amended on Jan. 26, 2012; Mar. 23, 2013; Dec. 31, 2019>

(3) When a person liable to pay import profits under paragraph (1) fails to pay such profits by the deadline, they may be collected in the same manner as delinquent national taxes are collected.

(4) The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs may impose a loss disposition on a person who has an obligation to pay income profits pursuant to Paragraph 1 if any of the following reasons apply. However, in cases 1 and 3, if property that can be seized is discovered after a loss disposition has been made, the disposition must be canceled without delay and the property must be collected in accordance with the example of national tax delinquency disposition. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>

1. When the allotted amount that has been appropriated for the amount in arrears after the completion of disposition of delinquent taxes under paragraph (3) falls short of the amount in arrears;

2. When extinctive prescription of the right to collect the import profits is complete;

3. When it is deemed that no possibility exists for collection, as prescribed by Presidential Decree, such as the death or unknown whereabouts of the defaulter.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 1, 2009]

Article 14 #

Deleted. <Jan. 21, 1999>

Article 15 #

Deleted. <Jan. 21, 1999>

Article 16(Release of grain for price stabilization) #

(1) When necessary to stabilize grain prices, the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs may, after deliberation by the Grain Committee, establish and implement grain supply and demand stabilization measures that include the following items. <Added on Jan. 29, 2020; Aug. 26, 2025>

1. Estimation of the amount of supply and demand of grain;

2. A plan for the purchase or sale of grain for price stabilization.

(2) In the case of rice, the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs shall, after consultation with the Minister of Strategy and Finance and deliberation by the Grain Committee, establish and announce the supply and demand stabilization measures pursuant to Paragraph 1 by October 15 of each year. However, if it is difficult to predict the production volume for the year due to rapid changes in weather conditions, the period may be extended. <Added on Jan. 29, 2020; Aug. 26, 2025>

(3) If the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs deems it necessary to implement the grain supply and demand stabilization measures as per paragraph 1 deliberated by the Grain Committee or to adjust the shipment and price of grain, he or she may authorize agricultural cooperatives (including cooperatives as per Article 2, Paragraph 1 of the Agricultural Cooperatives Act). The same applies below) or other persons designated by Presidential Decree (hereinafter referred to as “agricultural cooperatives, etc.”) may purchase and sell grains. In this case, agricultural cooperatives, etc. must comply with this unless there are special reasons. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jan. 29, 2020; Aug. 26, 2025>

(4) When purchasing rice in accordance with Paragraph 3, the quantity must be calculated based on the production amount exceeding the demand for rice produced in the relevant year. However, in cases prescribed by Presidential Decree, such as when rice prices fluctuate rapidly or are expected to fluctuate, the amount of production exceeding demand may be purchased in excess of or less than the amount produced. <Added on Jan. 29, 2020>

(5) The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs shall determine matters necessary for purchase or sale, such as the method of estimating the production and demand of grains according to Paragraphs 1 and 4, calculation of purchase and sale volume, timing and procedure for purchase and sale, and storage of purchased volume. <Added on Jan. 29, 2020; Aug. 26, 2025>

(6) The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs may, within the scope of the budget, provide support, such as loans or subsidies, to agricultural cooperatives, etc. that purchase grains pursuant to Paragraph 3 for the costs incurred in purchasing them. <Added on Jan. 29, 2020; Aug. 26, 2025>

(7) In cases where the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs purchases grain from an agricultural cooperative, etc. pursuant to paragraph 3, he or she may have the purchase agreement concluded and advance payment made pursuant to the examples stipulated in paragraphs 2 through 4 of Article 7. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jan. 29, 2020; Aug. 26, 2025>

(8) When the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs purchases grain from agricultural cooperatives, etc. pursuant to paragraph 3, he or she shall submit the following items to the relevant standing committee of the National Assembly without delay. <Added on Aug. 26, 2025>

1. The purchase price, purchase volume, and other relevant matters;

2. The scale and details of support provided to agricultural cooperatives, etc., under paragraph (6) (including principal, interest, storage fees, and interest on storage);

3. The method and period of support provided to agricultural cooperatives, etc., under paragraph (6).

[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 1, 2009]

[Title Amended on Jan. 29, 2020]

Article 16-2(Management of supply and demand of rice in case of supply-demand instability) #

(1) Notwithstanding the establishment and implementation of the grain supply and demand plan, where any of the following circumstances occurs as a result of estimating the supply and demand of rice under Article 16(1)1, the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs shall establish and implement grain supply and demand stability measures under Article 16(1), including the purchase of rice, in accordance with the results of deliberation by the Grain Committee taking into account rice prices and supply and demand conditions:

1. Where the production of rice exceeds, or is expected to exceed, the demand by more than the standards determined through deliberation by the Grain Committee within the extent prescribed by Presidential Decree;

2. Where the price of rice falls, or is expected to fall, by more than the standards determined through deliberation by the Grain Committee within the extent prescribed by Presidential Decree.

(2) The provisions of Article 16(3) through (8) shall apply mutatis mutandis to the operation of grain supply and demand stability measures under paragraph (1).

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 26, 2025]

[Previous Article 16-2 moved to Article 16-3 <Aug. 26, 2025>]

Article 16-3(Management of rice cultivation area for price stability) #

(1) In cases where the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs purchases rice pursuant to Article (1)6, Paragraph 3, he or she may, in accordance with the provisions of the Presidential Decree, consult with representatives of producer groups pursuant to Article 3, Paragraph 4 of the Framework Act on Agriculture, Rural Areas and Food Industry and have those who grow rice and register as recipients of basic direct payments pursuant to Article (1)5 of the Act on the Operation of Direct Payment System for Promotion of Public Interest Functions in Agriculture and Rural Areas adjust the rice cultivation area after deliberation by the Grain Committee. <Amended on Aug. 26, 2025>

(2) In case the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs adjusts the rice cultivation area pursuant to paragraph 1, he or she shall provide sufficient necessary support, such as payment of subsidies, to the subjects of the adjustment in cultivation area. <Added on Aug. 26, 2025>

[This Article Added on Jan. 29, 2020]

[Moved from Article 16-2 <Aug. 26, 2025>]

Article 16-4(Preemptive adjustment of supply and demand for price stability of rice) #

The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs may provide support for the following projects if the Minister deems it necessary to preemptively adjust the supply of rice by estimating the expected production of rice for the relevant year:

1. Projects to have agricultural cooperatives, etc., purchase and sell rice produced in the relevant year;

2. Projects to compensate for sales losses incurred by agricultural cooperatives, etc., that purchase rice under subparagraph 1;

3. Contract cultivation projects for supply and demand adjustment between agricultural cooperatives, etc., and rice producers.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 26, 2025]

Article 17(Reporting of grain stored by agricultural cooperatives, etc.) #

(1) Agricultural cooperatives, etc., shall report the types and inventory of grains they store (hereafter in this Article referred to as "grains stored by agricultural cooperatives, etc.") to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs every quarter so that the Minister may have the agricultural cooperatives, etc., purchase and sell grains under Article 16(3).

(2) Matters necessary for the methods and procedures for reporting the types and inventory of grains stored by agricultural cooperatives, etc., shall be prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 26, 2025]

Article 18 #

Deleted. <Jan. 21, 1999>

Article 19(Reporting on grain processing business) #

(1) A person who intends to engage in grain processing business as prescribed by Presidential Decree shall have facilities prescribed by Decree of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and shall be appointed by the mayor of a special autonomous city, the governor of a special autonomous province, the mayor, the county governor or the head of a district office (referring to the head of a district office of an autonomous district). (The following) must be reported to: The same applies when there is a desire to change any of the reported matters as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Mar. 21, 2017>

(2) The mayor of a special autonomous city, the governor of a special autonomous province, the mayor, the county head, or the head of a district office shall notify the reporter of whether or not the report has been accepted within the period specified in each of the following subparagraphs from the date of receiving the report or change report pursuant to paragraph 1. <Added on Mar. 21, 2017>

1. Report: 14 days;

2. Report on change: 3 days (14 days in case of a report on change of processing capacity).

(3) If the mayor of a special autonomous city, governor of a special autonomous province, mayor, county governor, or district head does not notify the reporter of whether the report has been accepted or whether the processing period has been extended in accordance with laws and regulations related to civil complaints within the period specified in paragraph 2, the report shall be deemed to have been accepted on the day following the end of that period. <Added on Mar. 21, 2017>

(4) Notwithstanding paragraph 1, if a person who has obtained a manufacturing license pursuant to the Act on Liquor Licenses, etc. or a business license pursuant to the Food Sanitation Act engages in grain processing business as prescribed by Presidential Decree, he or she shall be deemed to have filed a report pursuant to paragraph 1. <Amended on Mar. 21, 2017; Dec. 29, 2020>

(5) A person who has reported in accordance with paragraph 1 must report to the mayor of a special self-governing city, governor of a special self-governing province, mayor, county head, or district head in accordance with the provisions of the Decree of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs if he or she intends to suspend or close down his or her business. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Mar. 21, 2017>

(6) If the report pursuant to Paragraph 5 has no defects in the information provided in the report and meets the formal requirements stipulated in laws and regulations, the reporting obligation is deemed to have been fulfilled when the report reaches the receiving agency. <Added on Mar. 21, 2017>

(7) Matters necessary for the method and procedure of reporting pursuant to Paragraphs 1 and 5 shall be determined by a Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Decree. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Mar. 21, 2017>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 1, 2009]

Article 19-2(Succession to grain processing business) #

(1) Any of the following persons may succeed to the status of a person who has reported his or her grain processing business:

1. When a person who has reported his or her grain processing business transfers his or her business to a third person: The person's transferee;

2. When a person who has reported his or her grain processing business deceases: The person's inheritor;

3. When a corporation merges with another corporation: A corporation surviving the merger or Newly established on after the merger.

(2) A person who acquires all business establishments and facilities according to any of the following procedures may succeed to the status of a person who has reported his or her grain processing business:

1. Auction under the Civil Execution Act;

2. Transfer under the Debtor Rehabilitation and Bankruptcy Act;

3. Sale of seized property under the National Tax Collection Act, the Customs Act, or the Local Tax Act;

4. Other procedures equivalent to those provided in subparagraphs 1 through 3.

(3) A person who succeeds to the status of a person who reported a previous grain processing business pursuant to Paragraph 1 or 2 must report the fact of succession to the mayor of a special self-governing city, governor of a special self-governing province, mayor, county head, or district head within one month in accordance with the provisions of the Decree of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Mar. 21, 2017>

(4) The mayor of a special autonomous city, the governor of a special autonomous province, the mayor, the county head, or the head of a district office shall notify the reporter of whether or not the report has been accepted within three days from the date of receiving the report pursuant to Paragraph 3. <Added on Mar. 21, 2017>

(5) If the mayor of a special autonomous city, governor of a special autonomous province, mayor, county governor, or district head does not notify the reporter of whether the report has been accepted or whether the processing period has been extended in accordance with laws and regulations related to civil complaints within the period specified in Paragraph 4, the report shall be deemed to have been accepted on the day following the end of that period. <Added on Mar. 21, 2017>

[This Article Added on Apr. 1, 2009]

Article 20(Orders Issued to grain processing business entities) #

If the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs deems it necessary to improve grain processing methods, ensure the quality of processed products, and ensure smooth distribution, he or she may, after consultation with the competent minister, order grain processors to perform the following matters in accordance with the Presidential Decree, specifying the period and region. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>

1. Improving grain processing facilities;

2. Imposing restrictions on the processing efficiency of, processing methods of, and standards for the processed products;

3. Placing restrictions on the packaging sizes, materials, and methods;

4. Attaching processing marks for processed products.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 1, 2009]

Article 20-2(Indication of production year and quality) #

(1) If a grain processor or grain dealer wishes to sell grain, he or she must indicate on the packaging or container the year of production, quality, and other information prescribed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>

(2) Matters necessary for the method of displaying the information according to paragraph 1 shall be determined by a Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs decree. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 1, 2009]

Article 20-3(Prohibition of false indication) #

(1) No grain processor or grain dealer may make any of the following indications or advertisements concerning the production year, quality, etc. of grain:

1. Indications or advertisements that are false or exaggerated;

2. Indications or advertisements likely to deceive, mislead, or confuse consumers.

(2) Matters necessary for the scope of false or exaggerated indications and false or exaggerated advertisements pursuant to Paragraph 1 shall be determined by a Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Decree. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 1, 2009]

Article 20-4(Prohibition on grain mix) #

(1) The Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs shall not mix domestic rice and imported rice when handling grain under government management and government-purchased grain.

(2) No grain processing operator or grain dealer shall perform any of the following activities in regard of the grain determined by Decree of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (hereinafter referred to as "rice, etc."):

1. Mixing domestic and imported rice, etc. and distributing or selling it;

2. Mixing rice, etc. of different years of production and distributing or selling it.

[This Article Added on Jan. 6, 2015]

Article 21(Suspension of business) #

(1) If a grain processing business operator who has reported in accordance with Article (1)9, Paragraph (1) falls under any of the following subparagraphs, the mayor of a special autonomous city, the governor of a special autonomous province, the mayor, the county head, or the head of a district office may suspend business or close the business office for a period of up to six months in accordance with the provisions of the Decree of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. However, if it falls under No. 3 or No. 12, the business establishment must be closed. <Amended on Jul. 21, 2011; Mar. 23, 2013; Jan. 6, 2015; Mar. 21, 2017; Nov. 30, 2021; Aug. 26, 2025>

1. Where the grain processor imports rice, etc. subject to permission without obtaining permission or recommendation, in violation of Article 12;

2. Where the grain processor violates an order issued under Article 13(1);

3. Where the grain processor files a report under the former part of Article 19(1) by fraud or other improper means;

4. Where the grain processor files a report on change under the latter part of Article 19(1) by fraud or other improper means;

5. Where the grain processor violates an order issued under Article 20;

6. Where the grain processor fails to indicate the production year, quality, etc. of grain, in violation of Article 20-2(1);

7. Where the grain processor makes an indication or an advertisement that is false or exaggerated, in violation of Article 20-3(1);

7-2. Where the grain processor mixes rice, etc. and distributes or sells such rice mix, etc., in violation of Article 20-4(2);

8. Where the grain processor violates an order to report or present data under Article 27(1) or refuses, interferes with or evades an inspection by a relevant public official;

9. Where the grain processor violates the obligation to indicate the place of origin under Article 5(1) of the Act on Origin Labeling of Agricultural and Fishery Products;

9-2. Where the grain processor violates the obligation to prohibit false labeling, etc. under each subparagraph of Article 6(1) of the Act on Origin Labeling of Agricultural and Fishery Products;

10. Where the grain processor violates the obligation to mark a label of genetically modified agricultural products under Article 56(1) of the Agricultural and Fishery Products Quality Control Act;

11. Where the grain processor violates the obligation to prohibit false labeling, etc. under each subparagraph of Article 57 of the Agricultural and Fishery Products Quality Control Act;

12. Where the grain processor continues his or her business, in violation of an order to suspend business;

13. Where the grain processor fails to file a report under Article 19(5) and suspends his or her business for at least six consecutive months without good cause.

(2) When the mayor of a special self-governing city, the governor of a special self-governing province, the mayor, the county head, or the head of a district office orders the suspension of business or the closure of a business establishment pursuant to Paragraph 1, he or she may request the disposition from the competent authority if there is a separate competent authority. In this case, the competent authority that has received the request for disposition must comply with it unless there is a special reason not to. <Amended on Mar. 21, 2017>

(3) The detailed standards for administrative dispositions pursuant to Paragraphs 1 and 2 shall be determined by a Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Decree, taking into consideration the type and degree of violation. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 1, 2009]

Article 21-2(Succession to effect of administrative disciplinary measures) #

(1) The effect of administrative sanctions imposed on a former grain processor for violation of each item of Article 2(1), Paragraph (1) shall be transferred to a grain processor falling under any of the following items for one year from the date of expiration of the sanction period. <Amended on Mar. 21, 2017>

1. A person who reports his or her grain processing business again after having filed a report on business closure under Article 19(5);

2. A person who falls under any subparagraph of Article 19-2(1).

(2) The procedures for an administrative measure in process under Article 21(1) may be continued for a person referred to in any subparagraph of paragraph (1).

(3) Paragraphs (1) and (2) shall not apply to a grain processor who proves that he or she is not aware of an administrative disciplinary measure taken against the former grain processor or the violation of the former grain processor.

[This Article Added on Apr. 1, 2009]

Article 21-3(Measures for closure of place of business) #

(1) In the event that a special self-governing city mayor, special self-governing province governor, city mayor, county governor or district head conducts business without reporting in violation of Article (1)9, Paragraph (1) (excluding change reports) or continues to conduct business after receiving an order to close a business establishment pursuant to Article 2(1), Paragraph (1), the mayor may have the relevant public official take the following measures to close the business establishment. <Amended on Mar. 21, 2017>

1. Removing or eliminating signboards or other business marks of the relevant place of business;

2. Posting notices, etc. announcing that the relevant place of business is not a legitimate place of business;

3. Sealing facilities of the relevant place of business or other fixtures, etc. used for business operation to make them unavailable.

(2) If the mayor of a special autonomous city, the governor of a special autonomous province, the mayor, the county governor, or the head of a district office determines that there is no need to continue sealing after sealing pursuant to subparagraph 3 of paragraph 1, or if the business operator or his or her agent promises to close the business establishment or requests the release of the seal for other justifiable reasons, the seal may be released. The same also applies to notices, etc. pursuant to subparagraph 2 of paragraph 1. <Amended on Mar. 21, 2017>

(3) In case the mayor of a special autonomous city, governor of a special autonomous province, mayor, county governor, or district head intends to take measures pursuant to paragraph 1, he or she must notify the relevant business operator or his or her agent in writing in advance. However, this does not apply in cases of emergency. <Amended on Mar. 21, 2017>

(4) A measure under paragraph (1) shall be taken to the minimum possible extent necessary to force the operation of business to be discontinued.

(5) In the case of paragraph (1), a related public official shall carry a certificate indicating his or her authority and produce it to related persons.

[This Article Added on Apr. 1, 2009]

Article 22(Promotion of grain distribution business) #

(1) The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and heads of local governments shall foster grain distribution businesses that are responsible for comprehensive grain distribution functions, including purchasing grain from producers and drying, sorting, storage, processing, and selling purchased grain, in order to improve the distribution structure of grain, enhance quality, and stabilize prices. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Aug. 26, 2025>

(2) The state and local governments may, within the scope of their budget, provide loans or subsidies to agricultural cooperatives or other entities deemed capable of efficiently performing the grain distribution function under paragraph 1 for a portion of the funds required for the installation of facilities for drying, storing, processing, distributing, and selling grains, including grain processing facilities, and for the purchase of grains. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Aug. 26, 2025>

(3) Matters necessary for loans and subsidies pursuant to Paragraph 2 shall be determined by a Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Decree. In this case, the loan terms and conditions, including interest on the loan, must be discussed with the Minister of Strategy and Finance. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 1, 2009]

[Title revised on August 26, 2025]

Article 22-2(Development of demand for and promotion of consumption of grain) #

(1) The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs may provide support for the following projects to develop demand for and promote the consumption of grain:

1. Education and public relations projects for improving the national diet and promoting the consumption of grain;

2. Development of new demand for grain in response to changes in public preferences for grain;

3. Projects for increasing the supply of rice to school meals and group catering services;

4. Other projects recognized as necessary for promoting the consumption of grain.

(2) The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs designates excellent grains (meaning grains that have been certified as organic foods, etc. according to Article 19 of the Act on Promotion of Eco-Friendly Agriculture and Fisheries and Management and Support of Organic Foods, etc., etc., as prescribed by Presidential Decree). In order to promote consumption of (the same applies hereinafter in this Article), the following funds may be provided to enterprises that use high-quality grains as raw materials.

1. Purchase funds for high-quality grain used as raw materials;

2. Funds for the development and expansion of sales channels for products using high-quality grain as raw materials.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Aug. 26, 2025]

Article 23 #

Deleted. <Apr. 1, 2009>

Article 24(Vicarious execution of business) #

In cases where the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs deems it necessary to efficiently perform tasks such as export, import, sale, storage, receipt and payment, transportation, and processing of government-managed grains, conclusion of purchase agreements for grains, and advance payments, he or she may have an institution designated by the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs perform such tasks on his or her behalf. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 1, 2009]

Article 25(Establishment of Food Grain Stock Consolidating Fund) #

(1) The Food Grain Stock Consolidating Fund (hereinafter referred to as "Fund") shall be established to conduct business concerning the clearing-out of debts, management of grain bonds, etc.

(2) The Fund shall be created with the following financial resources:

1. Money raised for the Fund under the previous Grain Bonds Act;

2. Deposits from the Public Capital Management Fund under the Public Capital Management Fund Act;

3. Money received from the Government accounts under Article 25-4;

4. Contributions;

5. Surplus remaining after the settlement of accounts.

[This Article Added on Apr. 1, 2009]

Article 25-2(Management of redemption of debt) #

The method and period of redemption of debt and other matters necessary for managing the redemption of debt shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.

[This Article Added on Apr. 1, 2009]

Article 25-3(Operation and management of Fund) #

(1) The fund is operated and managed by the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>

(2) The Fund shall be used for the following purposes:

1. Redemption of debt;

2. Expenses incurred in operating the Fund, which are prescribed by Presidential Decree.

[This Article Added on Apr. 1, 2009]

Article 25-4(Reflection in budget) #

The Government shall reflect the following expenses and financial resources in its budget every fiscal year:

1. Expenses under Article 25-3(2)2;

2. Financial resources necessary for reducing the scale of debt.

[This Article Added on Apr. 1, 2009]

Article 25-5(Temporary borrowing of money) #

(1) In the event that the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs experiences a temporary shortage of funds in the operation of the fund, he or she may temporarily borrow funds necessary for the operation of the fund from the government accounting, other funds, or the Bank of Korea at the expense of the fund. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>

(2) Temporary borrowings under paragraph (1) shall be repaid within the relevant fiscal year.

[This Article Added on Apr. 1, 2009]

Article 25-6(Accounting agency of fund) #

(1) The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs appoints fund revenue collection officers, fund finance officers, fund expenditure officers, and fund disbursement officers from among his or her subordinate public officials to carry out affairs related to the income and expenditure of the fund. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>

(2) The Fund revenue collection officer, Fund financial officer, Fund disbursing officer, and Fund accounting public official under paragraph (1) may be appointed and dismissed by designating a position set in a department in charge of the accounting of the Fund.

[This Article Added on Apr. 1, 2009]

Article 26(Loans and subsidies) #

If the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs deems it necessary to regulate the supply and demand of grains, improve eating habits, and improve the processing, storage, and distribution of grains, he or she may, within the scope of the budget, lend necessary funds or provide subsidies to those carrying out projects prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 1, 2009]

Article 27(Supervision) #

When the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs deems it necessary to manage the supply and demand of grains or establish distribution order, he or she may order the following persons to report on necessary matters or submit data in accordance with the provisions of the Presidential Decree, or may have relevant public officials enter the relevant business establishment, etc. to inspect related documents such as ledgers, facilities, and grain holdings. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>

1. An owner of grain;

2. A grain dealer;

3. A grain processor;

4. A person who imports, exports, stores, or transports grain.

(2) In case of conducting an investigation pursuant to paragraph 1, the investigation plan, including the date and time of the investigation, reason for the investigation, and contents of the investigation, must be notified to the subject of the investigation at least 7 days prior to the investigation date. However, this does not apply in cases where an urgent investigation is required or where it is determined that the purpose of the investigation cannot be achieved due to destruction of evidence, etc., if prior notice is given.

(3) A public official who conducts an inspection under paragraph (1) shall carry a certificate indicating his or her authority and produce it to related persons.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 1, 2009]

Article 27-2(Honorary inspectors) #

(1) The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the mayor of a special city, the mayor of a metropolitan city, the mayor of a special self-governing city, the governor of a province, the governor of a special self-governing province, the mayor of a city, the head of a county or the head of a district office may appoint honorary inspectors to conduct supervision, guidance, publicity and enlightenment to establish a fair grain distribution order. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Mar. 21, 2017>

(2) The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs may, within the scope of the budget, subsidize all or part of the expenses incurred by local governments in operating honorary watchdogs. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>

(3) Matters necessary for the qualifications, appointment method, scope of work, and payment of allowances of honorary watchmen pursuant to Paragraph 1 shall be determined by a Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Decree. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 1, 2009]

Article 27-3(Payment of monetary awards) #

The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs may, in accordance with the provisions of the Presidential Decree, pay a reward to a person who reports or accuses a person falling under any of the following subparagraphs to a relevant administrative agency or investigative agency. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jan. 6, 2015>

1. A person who uses or disposes of grain for purposes other than those designated by the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs under Article 9(4);

2. A person who violates the duty to indicate the year of production, quality, etc. under Article 20-2(1);

3. A person who makes false or exaggerated indication or false or exaggerated advertisement, in violation of Article 20-3(1);

4. A person who mixes rice, etc. and distributes or sells such rice mix, in violation of Article 20-4(2).

[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 1, 2009]

Article 28(Hearings) #

If the mayor of a special self-governing city, governor of a special self-governing province, mayor, county head, or district head orders a grain processor to close its business establishment pursuant to Article 21, a hearing must be held. <Amended on Mar. 21, 2017>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 1, 2009]

Article 29(Delegation and entrustment of authority) #

(1) The authority of the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs under this Act may be delegated in part to the heads of affiliated organizations, special city mayors, metropolitan city mayors, special self-governing city mayors, provincial governors, special self-governing province governors, mayors, county heads or district heads, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Mar. 21, 2017>

(2) The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs may, in accordance with the Presidential Decree, delegate part of the affairs under this Act to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation under the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation Act, agricultural institutions, or agricultural organizations. <Amended on Jul. 25, 2011; Mar. 23, 2013>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 1, 2009]

Article 30 #

Deleted. <Jan. 21, 1999>

Article 31(Penalty provisions) #

(1) Any person who falls under any of the following subparagraphs shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than 10 years or a fine not exceeding three times the market price of the grains exported or imported. In this case, imprisonment and fines may be imposed concurrently.

1. A person who imports rice, etc. subject to permission without having obtained permission under Article 12(1);

2. A person who exports or imports grain without having obtained recommendation under Article 12(2).

(2) In cases of paragraph (1), exported or imported grain shall be forfeited, and if such forfeiture is not possible, the amount converted into the market price of the exported or imported grain shall be additionally collected.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 1, 2009]

Article 32(Penalty provisions) #

Any person who falls under any of the following subparagraphs shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than three years or a fine not exceeding five times the market price of the grain used or disposed of. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jan. 6, 2015; Aug. 26, 2025>

1. A person who uses or disposes of grain for purposes other than those designated by the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs under Article 9(4);

2. Any person who uses or disposes of imported grain in violation of an order under Article 13(1)1 or 2;

3. A person who makes false or exaggerated indication or false or exaggerated advertisement, in violation of Article 20-3(1);

4. A person who mixes rice, etc. and distributes or sells such rice mix, in violation of Article 20-4(2).

[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 1, 2009]

Article 33 #

Deleted. <Apr. 1, 2009>

Article 34(Penalty provisions) #

Any of the following persons shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for not more than one year or by a fine not exceeding 10 million won: <Amended on Jan. 29, 2020; Aug. 26, 2025>

1. A person who violates an order under Article 13(1)3;

2. A person who engages in grain processing business without filing a report under the former part of Article 19(1);

3. A person who engages in grain processing business after having filed a report under the former part of Article 19(1) by fraud or other improper means;

4. Deleted. <Jan. 6, 2015>

5. A person who conducts business operations, in violation of an order to suspend business under Article 21(1);

6. A person who conducts business operations, in violation of an order to close the place of business under Article 21(1);

7. A person who eliminates without permission, or damages a seal, notice, etc. attached by a relevant public official under Article 21-3;

8. A person who violates an order to submit a report or to present data, or who refuses, interferes with, or evades an inspection by a relevant public official under Article 27(1).

[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 1, 2009]

Article 35(Joint penalty provisions) #

If a representative of a corporation or an agent, employee, or other worker of a corporation or individual commits an act in violation of Article 31, Article 32, or Article 34 in relation to the business of the corporation or individual, in addition to punishing the perpetrator, the corporation or individual shall also be subject to a fine as stipulated in the relevant article. However, this does not apply if the corporation or individual has not neglected to exercise due care and supervision with respect to the relevant business in order to prevent the violation.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 1, 2009]

Article 36(Administrative fines) #

(1) A person who falls under any of the following subparagraphs shall be punished by an administrative fine not exceeding 2 million won: <Amended on Mar. 21, 2017; Aug. 26, 2025>

1. A person who fails to comply with a request for the submission of data without a justifiable ground, or submits false data, in violation of Article 5-2(2); provided, relevant administrative agencies shall be excluded;

2. A person who fails to comply with a request for the submission of data without a justifiable ground, or submits false data, in violation of Article 9-3(2);

3. A person who fails to comply with a request for the submission of data or the provision of information without a justifiable ground, or submits false data or provides false information, in violation of Article 9-4(2);

4. A person who operates a grain processing business without filing a report on modification under the latter part of Article 19(1);

5. A person who operates a grain processing business after filing a report on modification under the latter part of Article 19(1) by fraud or other improper means;

6. A person who suspends or closes a business without filing a report, in violation of Article 19(5);

7. A person who operates a grain processing business without filing a report on the succession of grain processing business under Article 19-2(3);

8. A person who violates an order under Article 20;

9. A person who fails to label grain or violates the methods of labeling under paragraph (2) of that Article, in violation of Article 20-2(1).

(2) The surcharge under paragraph 1 shall be imposed and collected by the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the mayor of a special self-governing city, the governor of a special self-governing province, the mayor, the county head, or the head of a district office, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Mar. 21, 2017>

[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 1, 2009]