Policy recommendations for sustainable livestock farming in South Korea

This study explores the transition towards sustainable livestock farming, emphasizing the role of policy instruments, challenges in implementation, and future directions. Major OECD member countries predominantly employ regulations, economic incentives, and promotional measures to promote sustainable livestock practices. Regulatory instruments, such as taxes and compliance obligations, are effective in addressing negative externalities, while economic incentives, like direct payment systems, are more accepted by stakeholders. Achieving policy effectiveness requires establishing consistent principles, ensuring stakeholder cooperation, and balancing regulatory and economic support. In South Korea, current policies include financial support for smart facilities, manure treatment, and eco-friendly products. However, there are gaps in greenhouse gas regulations and fragmented support measures. This study advocates comprehensive support systems and integrated manure management to address challenges like manure and odor management, which are critical for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The integration of ICT technologies into livestock farming is highlighted as a means to improve management efficiency and competitiveness. Furthermore, the introduction of a "Sustainable Livestock Public Subsidy System" is proposed to encourage sustainable practices. This includes a certification system covering all production stages, ensuring products meet environmental and welfare standards. This study emphasizes the need for a decentralized subsidy management approach, tailored to regional conditions, to enhance policy effectiveness. It also addresses the importance of fostering a new workforce in the livestock sector, advocating for support for young and female farmers. Finally, the establishment of public-private governance is suggested to facilitate voluntary participation and consensus among stakeholders, ensuring a successful transition to sustainable livestock farming.