South Korea’s rice production declines for fifth consecutive year

Government policy to reduce plantings and changing consumption patterns continue to put pressure on grain production.

Rice production in South Korea is projected to decline for the fifth consecutive year, according to a report from the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

In the 2026-2027 marketing year, rice production is expected to decline to 3.5 million tons. The main factor is Seoul’s government policy aimed at encouraging farmers to switch from rice to alternative crops.

Additional pressure on the sector is being placed by structural changes in consumption. Per capita rice consumption continues to decline in the country amid the growing popularity of wheat- and meat-based products. According to the FAS, it will decline to 53.9 kg in 2025, down from 55.8 kg in 2024 and 56.4 kg in 2023.

According to the forecast, total wheat consumption in South Korea will increase to approximately 3.9 million tonnes in 2026–2027, primarily due to increased feed wheat use. However, wheat consumption in the food, seed, and industrial sectors will remain unchanged, with feed demand driving overall demand.

The report notes that robust demand for home meal replacement (HMR) products is reducing direct rice consumption, while simultaneously supporting industrial demand for processed rice.

It is also emphasized that government programs to reallocate rice to the feed sector have previously been a key factor in fluctuations in overall consumption. However, in 2026–2027, amid the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (MAFRA)’s policy of reducing production in line with declining demand, excess supply will decrease, limiting the availability of rice for feed.

Tags: South Korea, rice, crop forecast