Category Archives: Cooperatives

【Feature】 Rice prices post record low levels reflecting excessive supply and lowering consumption (Sept. 15, 2014)

  Payments offered to rice farmers who entrust sales of this year’s harvest to agricultural co-operatives have been showing unprecedentedly low levels. Cross trading prices for rice sold to wholesalers are also set at low levels, as private inventory levels remained high for two consecutive years, loosening the supply-demand balance in the market. Reflecting the aging society and spread of healthy eating habits, many restaurants and takeout food manufacturers are reducing the amount of rice per serving, contributing to further decline in rice consumption. The amount of money given to producers of this year’s rice harvest was JPY1,500 to 3,000 lower per 60 kg from a year before, breaking the … Continue reading

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【News】 Agriculture minister pledges to attract companies to rural villages (Sept. 11, 2014)

  Agriculture minister Koya Nishikawa said Wednesday, Sept. 10, that the government will make use of tax incentives and other measures to encourage private companies such as food product manufacturers to set up plants in rural villages. Speaking at a symposium held in JA Aichi Toyota, an agricultural co-operative in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, Nishikawa told farmers and JA officials that the government will make utmost efforts to double farmers’ incomes. In order to meet the goal, Nishikawa said it is important to support cooperation between farmers and companies under the “sixth industry” initiative – adding value to farm products by letting farmers engage in processing and marketing – and create … Continue reading

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【Editorial】 Human resource development vital for agricultural co-ops (Sept. 9, 2014)

  Amid vigorous discussions on reforming the Japanese agricultural co-operative group, human development has become more important than ever to reaffirm the significance of primary JAs. It is the JA staff members who bear the task of creating the future of the JA group and co-operative activities. Based on the resolution adopted at JA’s 26th national meeting in 2012, the JA group launched a national campaign last year to step up training of its manpower. The campaign has been extended to the prefectural level, and now it is time for primary JAs to take specific actions. Each JA must come up with clear prospects for the future, show what kind … Continue reading

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【News】 Incorporated agricultural organization in Fukushima supports revitalization of local agriculture (Sept. 9, 2014)

Hirobumi Senbongi Green Farm, an incorporated agricultural organization based in the mountainous village of Showa in western Fukushima Prefecture, takes care of 604 rice paddies in the village, totaling 95 hectares, to support local farmers. Thanks to the firm, the area of abandoned farmland in the village decreased by 10 percent in the last decade. By entrusting their rice fields to Green Farm, local farmers can concentrate on highly profitable cultivation of baby’s breath, making the village the nation’s top production area of the flower. In Showa, located between 400 and 700 meters above sea level with a population of 1,400, 70 percent of farmers are aged 65 or more … Continue reading

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【News】 The board member of International Co-operative Alliance board concerned over Japan’s agricultural co-operative reform (Sept. 3, 2014)

  Jean-Louis Bancel, the chairman of International Co-operative Banking Association and a member of the board of the International Co-operative Alliance, expressed concern on Tuesday, Sept. 2, over Japan’s agricultural co-operative reform, saying it could adversely affect the co-operative principles of democracy, autonomy and contribution to the local community. Bancel, who is visiting Japan to learn about businesses of Japanese agricultural co-operatives, said he does not think there is any merit in breaking up the organization and limiting its scope of business, adding that the move goes against the global trend of co-operatives offering more comprehensive services and contributing to local communities. During his visit to JA Sawaisesaki, an agricultural … Continue reading

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