Strong support for direct election and an independent audit body; respondents point to misconduct and governance failures
HERALD ECONOMY — Reporters Kim Seon-guk and Yang Young-kyung. A survey indicates nine out of 10 people support reforming the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation (Nonghyup), giving momentum to the government’s reform agenda.On April 27, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs released results from a perception survey showing that 94.5% of cooperative members and 95.1% of the general public believe Nonghyup needs reform.
The Korea Rural Economic Institute conducted the online survey from April 21 to 24, polling 1,079 Nonghyup cooperative members nationwide and 1,000 members of the general public.
Both cooperative members and the public registered support rates above 90%, signaling broad social agreement on the need for reform.
Respondents pointed to staff misconduct, a chairman-centered governance structure, and problems with agricultural product distribution and pricing as key reasons for reform.
Support for specific reform measures was also high. Direct election of the central president drew 83.1% support from members and 90.5% from the public. Establishing an independent audit committee received 85.8% and 93.3% support, respectively.
More than half of respondents also backed plans to strengthen government oversight of parent companies and subsidiaries and to expand transparency through greater information disclosure.
The ministry said it will use the survey findings to pursue institutional improvements and follow-up reform measures.
Minister Song Mi-ryeong said, “This survey shows that reforming Nonghyup is a task the vast majority of cooperative members and the public support. We will ensure field opinions are reflected during parliamentary discussions and quickly prepare follow-up reforms so Nonghyup can restore its core role.”
