【Research】Present state of Japanese agriculture and future prospect for agricultural structure: Detailed picture seen in 2015 Agricultural Census

September 1st, 2017 Norinchukin Research Institute Co., Ltd. Basic Research Division SHIMIZU Tetsuro, Director-General Manager ■Abstract Agricultural structure policies of Japan have been implemented until today on the basis of a fundamental policy for developing “efficient and stable agriculture management”, which was announced in a long-term vision of agricultural policy for the 21st century, named the “New Direction of Food, Agricultural and Rural Policy” of 1992 as well as in the “Food, Agriculture and Rural Areas Basic Act” enacted in 1999. The purpose of this paper is not only to reveal real conditions of Japan’s agriculture primarily by referring to results of the 2015 Census of Agriculture and Forestry, but … Continue reading

Posted in Research | Comments Off on 【Research】Present state of Japanese agriculture and future prospect for agricultural structure: Detailed picture seen in 2015 Agricultural Census

【Research】Formation of Japan’s food security policy: Relations with food situation and evolution of agricultural policies

                                                                                                                                   August 1st, 2017 Norinchukin Research Institute Co., Ltd. HIRASAWA Akihiko, Senior Chief Economist ■Abstract Japanese people have been able to reach the current level of food consumption by increasing imports of agricultural products due to its limited farmland resources. As a result, however, Japan is … Continue reading

Posted in Research | Comments Off on 【Research】Formation of Japan’s food security policy: Relations with food situation and evolution of agricultural policies

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stresses determination not to compromise in trade talks with U.S.

TOKYO, July 20 – Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Japan will not make compromises that go beyond the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement in the new bilateral trade talks with the United States. In an interview with The Japan Agricultural News held at the Prime Minister’s Office on July 19, Abe discussed Japan’s stance in the ministerial-level “free, fair and reciprocal” trade talks, dubbed the FFR talks, to be held soon. He also commented on farmers’ criticisms on how farm policies are decided. Q. Farmers are increasingly worried over the Abe administration’s trade policies, as the government has been signing one trade deal after another, including the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement and … Continue reading

Posted in Farm Policy, Food & Agriculture | Comments Off on Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stresses determination not to compromise in trade talks with U.S.

Japan looks to spread Washoku intricacies at home and abroad

TOKYO, July 6 — Japan’s agriculture ministry has launched “Let’s Wagohan,” at a time when Japanese companies and the government eye new ways of spreading Washoku traditional Japanese cuisine at home and abroad. The “Let’s Wagohan” is a project where the private sector presents Washoku menu that uses homegrown farm products. The move coincides as five years have passed since Washoku was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The government wants to boost consumption of Japanese agricultural products as Japan hosts the Rugby World Cup 2019 matches as well as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.

Posted in Farm Policy, Food & Agriculture | Comments Off on Japan looks to spread Washoku intricacies at home and abroad

Japanese seed maker develops sunflower that blooms upright

TOKYO, June. 29 — Takii Co., Japan’s seed maker of vegetables and flowers, has developed a sunflower that blooms upright facing on strong stems. Takii names the new series “F1 Sunrich Upright.” The Kyoto-based seed maker says the new sunflower is ideal for flower arrangement and bouquets as it is long lasting and upright facing on strong stems.

Posted in Food & Agriculture, Others | Comments Off on Japanese seed maker develops sunflower that blooms upright