Author Archives: The Japan Agricultural News

【News】 Agricultural co-ops’ self-reform differs from government stance: agriculture minister (Nov. 8, 2014)

  Agriculture minister Koya Nishikawa pointed out on Friday, Nov. 7, that “a gap exists” between the agricultural co-op group’s self-reform plan and the government’s stance regarding central and prefectural unions’ auditing authority and the system for non-farmer members. The two issues are likely to become a focus of future debate on revising the Agricultural Co-operative Society Law. “I acknowledge that the report is compiled by their efforts (to reform itself),” Nishikawa told reporters after receiving explanation from Akira Banzai, president of the Central Union of Agricultural Co-operatives (JA-Zenchu), on the group’s self-reform plan. “Concerning the Norinchukin Bank and the National Mutual Insurance Federation of Agricultural Co-operatives (Zenkyoren), the direction … Continue reading

Posted in Cooperatives, Food & Agriculture | Tagged | Comments Off on 【News】 Agricultural co-ops’ self-reform differs from government stance: agriculture minister (Nov. 8, 2014)

【News】 Citizen groups gathered in Tokyo to protest against secret Negotiations of TPP (Nov. 8, 2014)

  Chikuma Kume Before the ministerial meeting of the Trans-Pacific Partnership free-trade talks (TPP) being held Saturday, Nov. 8 in Beijing, China, citizen groups opposing or concerned about the TPP negotiations gathered Friday, Nov. 7 at the Members’ Office Building of the House of Councilors of Japan in Nagata-cho, Tokyo, and had “a relay talk” and a study session to gain attention for the critical situations. Those attended discussed effects on food, life, or employment if by any chance the negotiation comes to an agreement although there are no specific contents. They raised an objection saying, “We can’t allow basic agreement by the secret negotiations.” This event was planned based … Continue reading

Posted in Cooperatives, Food & Agriculture, Trade Talks | Tagged | Comments Off on 【News】 Citizen groups gathered in Tokyo to protest against secret Negotiations of TPP (Nov. 8, 2014)

【News】 Japanese agricultural co-op group calls for legal grounds to give itself a new role (Nov. 7, 2014)

  The Central Union of Agricultural Co-operatives (JA-Zenchu) on Thursday, Nov. 6, decided on specific measures for self-reform, including clarifying functions of central and prefectural unions and stating them in the Agricultural Co-operative Society Law. The self-reform plan says central and prefectural unions should be tasked with three roles – representing and advising primary JAs and working as a liaison among them – and stating them in the law so that the unions will be legally responsible for the tasks. The plan states the group’s basic goals are increasing farmers’ income and agricultural production and revitalizing local areas, and calls for creation of 100 billion-yen, five-year program to support primary … Continue reading

Posted in Cooperatives, Food & Agriculture | Tagged | Comments Off on 【News】 Japanese agricultural co-op group calls for legal grounds to give itself a new role (Nov. 7, 2014)

【News】 Number of female officials in JA-Zenchu increased to 1,277 (Nov. 7, 2014)

  The number of female officials (directors, executive managers, and auditors) in the Central Union of Agricultural Co-operative (JA-Zenchu) increased to 1,277 as of July 31, 160 more than that of last year, the JA-Zenchu reported Thursday, Nov. 6, at the council meeting. This resulted from activities trying to follow the guideline of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) that promotes increase in the number of JA’s female officials like last year. It seems that the JA-Zenchu wants to take women’s power and pave the way for its consistent reform. This result was surveyed by JA-Zenchu and the National Council Agricultural Corporative Women’s Associations (JA Joseikyo). Among 699 … Continue reading

Posted in Cooperatives, Food & Agriculture | Tagged | Comments Off on 【News】 Number of female officials in JA-Zenchu increased to 1,277 (Nov. 7, 2014)

【Interview】 Expert on agricultural trade warns of U.S. Congress’ moves to deliver export-boosting trade deals (Nov. 6, 2014)

  Shinji Hattori, professor emeritus of Toyo University and expert on Japanese agricultural trade, discusses the possible impact of the Republican sweep of the United States’ midterm Congressional elections on the Trans-Pacific Partnership free-trade talks. The final election results are still outstanding at the time of the interview, but it would be impossible for the Republican Party to take up 60 seats in the 100-member Senate which are necessary to end debate on a bill and move on to voting. So it would not be possible for Republicans to have complete power over the Senate. The structure of Democrats cautious about free trade hindering Republican advocates of free trade will … Continue reading

Posted in Trade Talks | Tagged | Comments Off on 【Interview】 Expert on agricultural trade warns of U.S. Congress’ moves to deliver export-boosting trade deals (Nov. 6, 2014)