Monthly Archives: January 2015

  The ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s project team held its first meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 20, to discuss revision of the Agricultural Co-operative Society Law. Many of some 130 lawmakers with farming connections who attended the meeting expressed opposition to the government’s proposals, including letting outside accountants conduct audits of primary agricultural co-ops and restricting non-farmers’ use of JAs’ services. They also stressed the importance of reflecting farmers’ voices in the process of revision. The government plans to compile a bill to revise the law early next month, but it would be difficult for the parties concerned to reach a consensus on the issue. Lower House member Takamori Yoshikawa who … Continue reading →

  The ruling Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito will begin intensive discussion this week to prepare a bill to revise the Agricultural Co-operative Society Law, focusing on auditing of primary agricultural co-ops. Agriculture minister Koya Nishikawa is aiming at abolishing the current system of the Central Union of Agricultural Co-operatives (JA-Zenchu) conducting audits on primary JAs and introducing auditing by outside accountants. However, the idea contradicts with the ministry’s previous standpoint and Nishikawa has failed to explain reasonably how it will contribute to improving farmers’ income. The LDP’s project team on the law revision headed by Lower House member Takamori Yoshikawa will hold meetings starting on Tuesday, Jan. 20, and … Continue reading →