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 →

  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 →

  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 →