Seoul Unveils AI-Driven Agriculture Agenda, Pet Welfare Reforms for Second Half. (Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs). SEOUL, July 17 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea will accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence across agriculture while expanding protections for farmers and pet owners in the second half of the year, as the government seeks to modernize the sector and improve consumer services. Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryeong outlined the policy agenda during a government briefing to President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday, presenting a package of initiatives spanning AI-powered food pricing, smart farming, animal welfare and farm income protection. The ministry plans to draft a Basic Animal Welfare Act and establish a dedicated Animal Welfare Promotion Agency this year. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs plans to draft a Basic Animal Welfare Act and establish an Animal Welfare Promotion Agency this year, moving beyond conventional animal protection toward a more comprehensive welfare framework.