Japan Press Weekly

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2022 November 16 - 22 [SOCIAL ISSUES]

Farmers urge Agriculture Ministry to cancel cutbacks in state subsidies for utilization of paddy fields

The National Campaign for Defense of the People's Food and Health (Shokkenren), consisting of farmers, trade unions, and women’s organizations, on November 17 submitted to the Agriculture Ministry more than 40,000 signatures calling for the cancellation of cuts in government subsidies for alternative crops grown in diverted paddy fields.

In the submission, Shokkenren representative Sunayama Taichi pointed out that the subsidy program has contributed to increasing the production of crops, such as soy beans and wheat, with the conversion of paddy fields. He said that at a time when the world is facing a food crisis, the need is for Japan to boost the yield of domestic agriculture and the nation’s food self-sufficiency rate, and demanded that the government not carry out cutbacks in state subsidies for the utilization of paddy fields.

In addition, Sunayama requested that the government provide more support for farmers growing field crops so that they can expand their production. He also called for the improvement of government support for the ongoing surge in prices of essentials for food production - fuel, fodder, fertilizers, and other materials.

Japanese Communist Party member of the House of Councilors Kami Tomoko joined the Shokkenren’s action. Kami, in the Diet, repeatedly demanded the cancellation of the planned cuts in government subsidies for the utilization of paddy fields.

At a House Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Committee meeting on November 8, Kami noted that 182 municipalities submitted to the Upper House statements seeking to put a stop to the government move to slash subsidies for paddy field utilization.

Kami pointed out that in Hokkaido, not only farming-related organizations but also prefectural and municipal authorities voiced deep concern over the impact of cuts in subsidies on local farmers, farming communities, and local businesses. She also pointed out that in Akita, it is reported that 60% of farmers growing buckwheat, whose flour is used to make soba noodles, will have to give up on farming if subsidies are cut as planned. She urged the government to retract the planned cutbacks in the subsidy program.