The ministry said pork exports are expected to post the largest on-year increase of 25.5 percent, followed by those of processed foods with 6.9 percent growth. Shipments of forestry goods, poultry and vegetables are all likely to grow 4-5 percent this year.

South Korea has traditionally been a net importer of agricultural products. In 2005 it exported $2.22 billion worth of agricultural, livestock and forestry products, while importing $11.88 billion worth of farm and wood-based goods.

By country, exports to Japan could reach $665 million by the year's end, a gain of 2.1 percent, with the United States, China and Russia toping the list of foreign markets.

Source: Yonhap News