Japanese rice farmers face crisis as JA advance payments plummet

Japanese rice farmers are facing severe economic pressure as advance payments (gaisankin) from agricultural cooperatives (JA) have plummeted. In many regions, these payments for the 2026 crop have dropped to approximately 15,000 to 18,000 yen per 60kg, nearly half of the previous year's rate of around 30,000 yen.

Critics, including former Ministry of Agriculture officials, argue that the JA system's consignment sales model shifts price fluctuation risks onto farmers while allowing the cooperatives to secure steady commission fees. This has led to claims that the organization is prioritizing its own interests over the livelihoods of its members.

In Kochi Prefecture, farmers are struggling with a combination of falling rice prices, rising costs for fertilizer and fuel, and reduced yields due to extreme heat. To combat these challenges, some farmers are adopting “regenerative double cropping,” a method that involves regrowing crops from harvested stalks to minimize labor and seedling costs. Farmers are calling for government subsidies to ensure the survival of the agricultural sector and the maintenance of rural environments.