Farmers protest against Japan-U.S. FTA

Japan Press Weekly

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Farmers protest against Japan-U.S. FTA

Members of farmers’ and consumers’ organizations on November 9 made representations to the Agriculture Ministry in opposition to a conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States.

They are representatives of the National Federation of farmers Movement (Nominren) and the National Campaign for the Defense of the People’s Food and Health (Shokukenren). It was their first representation to the new coalition government.

They expressed opposition to a bilateral FTA on the grounds that it will deal a fatal blow to domestic production of rice and other agricultural products, which will account for 27 percent of the amount of trade.

At a House of Councilors budget committee meeting on the same day, Deputy Prime Minister Kan Naoto and Foreign Minister Okada Katsuya stated that the government will promote a conclusion of a Japan-U.S. FTA.

“We will promote negotiations (for FTA conclusion),” said Kan, adding that the government is also working for an early conclusion of the Doha Round of WTO talks, which will lead to a further increase in rice imports.

- Akahata, November 10, 2009