2026 rice crop projected 66,000 tons over demand — 400,000 tons of public stockpile rice to be purchased, interim payment 60,000 won per 40kg of paddy
Source material is a Korean government announcement (in Korean).
The government expects the 2026 rice crop to exceed demand by about 66,000 tons; it will isolate the surplus through returns of loaned grain and purchase 400,000 tons of public stockpile rice in October–December.
Key facts
| Output outlook | About 3.46 million tons, about 66,000 tons over demand (1.9% of total output) |
|---|---|
| Surplus isolation | Return of about 120,000 tons of remaining loaned government grain (volume and timing to be reviewed considering final output, etc.) |
| Public stockpile purchase start | 400,000 tons of 2026 rice purchased in the October–December harvest season; interim payment 40,000 won → 60,000 won per 40kg of paddy |
| Purchase funds | Total 3.9 trillion won (government 1.4 trillion won, Nonghyup 2.5 trillion won) |
| Distribution order | Inspections of processing rice entering general circulation and mixing of new and old crops |
Last checked:
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs prepared the 'Supply Stabilization Measures for 2026 Rice' after review by the Grain Supply Management Committee. The 2026 rice crop is projected at about 3.46 million tons, about 66,000 tons (1.9% of total output) more than demand. The government will isolate the surplus from the market as much as possible through the return of about 120,000 tons of remaining government grain on loan, to be repaid in 2026 rice, and will purchase 400,000 tons of 2026 rice as public stockpile rice during the October–December harvest season. The interim payment for public stockpile rice will be raised from 40,000 won to 60,000 won per 40kg of paddy, and the government and Nonghyup will provide a total of 3.9 trillion won in paddy purchase funds. Distribution practices such as processing rice entering general circulation and mixing of new and old crops will also be inspected.
Summaries below are factual notes based on government announcements and primary sources — not evaluations or opinions.
FAQ
How much surplus is expected from the 2026 rice crop?
The 2026 rice crop is projected at about 3.46 million tons, and the surplus reflecting the demand outlook is about 66,000 tons (1.9% of total output).
How much is the interim payment for public stockpile rice?
The interim payment for public stockpile rice will be raised by 20,000 won, from 40,000 won to 60,000 won per 40kg of paddy.