Emergency Situation Ahead of Spring Farming Season:

Production of Vermiculite, 100% Imported from China, Completely Halted Due to Olympics

; No Shipments or Scheduled Volumes for This Year. Potting

Soil Manufacturers Reduce or Abandon Production; Concerns Over Impact on Rice Crop Farming After Late February;

Calls for "Alternatives, Such as Recommending Heavyweight Potting Soil," Are Growing. Concerns are mounting ahead of the spring farming season regarding potential supply disruptions for lightweight potting soil, which is widely used for rice seedling cultivation. Currently, domestic potting soil manufacturers import 100% of their main ingredient, vermiculite, from China; however, they are facing a severe raw material shortage as domestic production in China has been completely halted due to factors such as the recent Olympics. There are fears that this could have a significant impact on agriculture. According to the Korea Potting Soil Association, it has been confirmed that after a partial shipment of vermiculite shipped from Tianjin Port in China at the end of last year was brought into the country, there were absolutely no additional shipments from January 1 to 24 of this year, and there are no scheduled shipments through February 24. Domestic potting soil companies are currently struggling to operate their factories due to the suspension of vermiculite imports. A potting soil manufacturer in South Chungcheong Province, which accounts for 15–20% of domestic production, is deliberately slowing down its production speed ahead of the spring peak season. An official from the company stated, "Our current vermiculite inventory is only half the level of previous years," adding, "If we maintain our previous production pace, our current stock will run out within a week, so we have no choice but to delay work even as the peak season approaches." This is not an issue unique to this company. While companies are striving to secure raw materials as much as possible, the situation is reportedly not favorable. Depending on the company, there are instances where they are reducing production to half of last year's levels or even abandoning production altogether. A bigger problem is that it is difficult to find a viable alternative in the short term. Ahead of the Beijing Winter Olympics opening on February 4, the Chinese government has already completely banned vermiculite mining since August of last year as part of environmental regulations across the entire manufacturing sector. This measure was taken because a significant amount of airborne dust is generated during the vermiculite sorting process. Therefore, for now, the only option is to hope that vermiculite production in China normalizes after March 13, when the Winter Paralympics conclude. An official from the potting soil industry stated, "If vermiculite production in China does not normalize, there will be a shortage of approximately 30% of the lightweight potting soil required domestically." While the industry is discussing alternative sources such as South Africa or Brazil, it is difficult to expect immediate results as import prices are double those of China and it takes six months for actual delivery to the domestic market. Consequently, raw material prices have been skyrocketing recently. Lee Jung-il, President of the Korea Potting Soil Association, expressed concern, saying, "Due to supply instability, the price of vermiculite rose from around $100 per ton in previous years to $168 by the end of last year, and now it is impossible to obtain even if one is willing to pay." He added, "Companies currently hold about 70% of the required amount of vermiculite, but if imports do not resume after the end of February, there could be significant problems with the production and supply of lightweight potting soil for rice seedling cultivation." As the shortage of raw materials intensifies, the price of potting soil is also fluctuating. According to potting soil manufacturers, the price of soil supplied to production areas this year is reportedly around 5,300 won (per 40 liters), an increase of approximately 400 won compared to last year. Due to the rise in prices, agricultural cooperatives operating joint seedling nurseries that use large quantities of potting soil are on high alert. Kim Young-chan, chairman of the Goa Agricultural Cooperative in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, stated, "If the problem is not resolved before April, we may not be able to guarantee this year's rice farming." Local governments are also accelerating their efforts. Yeongam County in South Jeolla Province recently shortened the duration of its supply program for rice seedling soil to 15 days, half the length of previous years. This decision was made based on the assessment that securing potting soil for rice seedlings could be difficult due to disruptions in raw material supply. A county official explained, "We determined that by halving the application period to finalize the volume early, we could place orders sooner than in previous years and secure potting soil somewhat more easily," adding, "I understand that other local governments have also set out to secure potting soil early." Critics in the farming field are pointing out the need for realistic alternatives to prevent market instability, such as recommending the use of semi-heavyweight or heavyweight potting soil instead of lightweight soil. Additionally, arguments are gaining traction that relevant agencies must actively respond to ensure the rapid import of raw materials in preparation for China resuming exports. Chairman Lee Jung-il emphasized, "Assuming that vermiculite shipments resume after the end of February, the government must take preemptive measures, such as simplifying customs procedures, to shorten the time required for domestic entry." Reporters Lee Sang-hee (Yeongam), Seo Ryun (Hongseong), and Kim Dong-wook (Gumi)