Japan launches regional agricultural land‑use plans to address aging and decline

The Japanese government is updating regional agricultural land‑use plans under the Agricultural Management Base Strengthening Promotion Law. The plans, due by the end of March 2025 for municipalities, aim to counter the effects of an aging population and farmer shortage by promoting land consolidation and more efficient use of farmland. Local discussions will produce target maps outlining who will manage land and how it will be used over the next decade. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries will support the process through the Agricultural Land Bank, which will facilitate land transfers and aggregation.

Stakeholders in the designated plan areas, such as Zao Town, are invited to submit written opinions by the stipulated deadlines. The Ministry will publish the revised plans and related documents for public review, ensuring transparency and continued evaluation of the strategies.