Japan Agriculture Minister Kazuo Yana addresses rice prices and Fukushima imports

Japan's Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Kazuo Yana, addressed concerns regarding fluctuating food prices and regional agricultural stability during recent press conferences and site visits.

Regarding rice, Minister Yana noted a significant drop in estimated rice prices. He stated his intention to examine how the Food System Law can function effectively to manage price formation and stabilize supply for the upcoming year's production. During a visit to Fukushima Prefecture, he also responded to requests from local officials to address rice price volatility.

In Fukushima, Yana met with the Fukushima Prefectural Federation of Fisheries. He pledged to strengthen efforts to lift ongoing import restrictions on Fukushima food products currently imposed by five countries and regions following the nuclear accident.

Additionally, the Minister discussed the outlook for egg prices, noting that while supply is expected to increase through 2027, prices may remain high due to the weak yen and Middle East geopolitical tensions. He also announced the launch of eMAFF 2.0 on October 1, an upgraded administrative application service designed to improve efficiency and usability for farmers and fishermen.