Current Status and Issues ofAgriculture and Rural Areas in
Hokkaido

October 2011
Department of Agriculture
Hokkaido Government

I. Situation surrounding agriculture and rural areas in Hokkaido
1. Characteristics of agriculture in Hokkaido
 In Hokkaido, agriculture makes use of a large area of cultivated acreage, which accounts for 25% of Japan’s
total cultivated area. Hokkaido contributes 12% of the total agricultural output of Japan, and about 20% of thedomestic calorie supply.
 The cultivated area per farm household in Hokkaido is about 15 times greater than that of any otherprefecture. Full-time farmers account for 72% of the population, comparing with 21% in otherprefectures. Farmers in Hokkaido run their businesses on a large scale, full-time basis.

Farm Households in Hokkaido Compared with other Prefectures

Share of Hokkaido Agriculture in JapanClassification

Unit

Hokkaido

Cultivated acreage

Thousand ha

Total Farmers

Thousandhouseholds

Commercial Farmers

Full-time Farmers(Class I)
Part-time Farmers(Class II)

Japan

Share

Year

1,156

4,593

25.2%

2010

44
27
12

1,632
452
225

2.7%
6.0%
5.3%

2010

5

955

0.5%

Classification

Unit

Hokkaido(a)Other
prefectures(b)

Cultivated Acreage
Under Management per
Household

ha

21.5

Percentage of Farmers
under 65 Years Old

%

a/b

Year

1.4

15.4

2010

67.4

37.4

1.8

2010

(core agricultural workers)

Agricultural
Population

Thousandpeople

111

2,606

4.3%

2010

Percentage of Full-time
Farmers

%

72.1

20.7

3.5

2010

Agricultural Output
Crop farming
Dairy farming

Hundredmillion yen

10,111
4,882
5,229

83,16256,254
26,371

12.2%
8.7%
19.8%

2009

Number of Milk Cows
Number of Beef Cattle(per household)

head

107.5
178.3

46.0
33.0

2.3
5.6

2010

Domestic Calorie
Supplykcal/person・
day

197

964

20.4%

2009

22,704

3,762

6.0

2009

5,858
630
90.5

904
1,716
34.4

6.5
0.4
2.6

Source: “Survey on Farm Land and Crop Acreage”, “Census on Agriculture and Forestry”,“Production Agriculture Income Statistics”, “Livestock Statistics”, and “Statistical
Survey on Farm Management” by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Note 1:A full-time farmer indicates a farm household whose principal income source isagriculture and which contains a person under 65 years old who is engaged in farmwork for 60 days or more in a year.
2:Agricultural dependency indicates agricultural income as a percentage of grossincome (agricultural income+agricultural production related business income+nonagricultural income).

Agricultural Gross
Thousand
Incomeyen
Agricultural Income
Nonagricultural Income
Agricultural%
Dependency(per household) Share of food
manufacturers in all
manufacturingbusinesses in termsof shipment value

Classification
Share (2009)

Japan
9.2%

Hokkaido
37.1%

1

2. Status of agriculture in Hokkaido
Agriculture, forestry and fisheries in Hokkaido, which supply approximately 20% of domestically-supplied calories,
significantly contribute to a stable food supply in Japan.
 Rate of contribution to food self-sufficiency on a calorie basis in Hokkaido(per capita per day)Calories production

Calorie
supplyA. JapanB. Hokkaido

C. Contribution rate (B/A)

2,436 kcal

964 kcal

197 kcal

20.4%

Source:Ministry of Agriculture,
Forestry and Fisheries

 Major agricultural and marine products of which Hokkaido produces the largest volume inJapan (2010)
Wheat
61.2%

349,000 t, 116,000 ha
Sugar beets
100%

Soybeans
25.6%

Adzuki beans
88.7%

Kidney beans
94.1%

57,000 t, 24,000 ha

49,000 t, 23,000 ha

Buckwheat
37.4%

Onions 55.1%

Potatoes 78.4%

Salmons
82.8%

21,000 t, 11,000 ha

1,753,000 t, 54,000 ha

132,000 t

Pumpkins 48.1%

Carrots 27.6%

Scallops 80.8%

3,090,000 t, 63,000 ha

11,000 t, 15,000 ha

578,000 t, 13,000 ha

106,000 t, 0.9 ha

164,000 t, 5,000 ha

Sweet corn
45.6%Japaneseradishes
10.8%

Ｍｉｌｋ 50.5％

Beef 16.2%

Bloodhorses
96.7%

Kelp

107,000 t, 10,000 ha

162,000 t, 4,000 ha

7,000 heads

98,000 t

3, 902,000 t, 827,000 heads 83,000 t, 539,000 heads

Source: “Crop Statistics”, “Statistics on Milk and Milk Products”, and “Annual Report of Statistics on Agriculture,
Forestry and Fisheries” by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

436,000 t

97.4%

2

3. Food self-sufficiency ratio by Prefecture
The calorie-based food self-sufficiency ratio in Hokkaido is 187%, the highest in Japan. Besides Hokkaido, six
prefectures, including Akita, Yamagata, Aomori, Iwate ,Niigata and Saga, have a food self-sufficiency ratio of over 100%.
However, the output-based food self-sufficiency ratio in Hokkaido, whose major products are milk cattle and vegetables,
is 199%, lower than in Aomori Prefecture, Miyazaki Prefecture and Kagoshima Prefecture whose major products are
beef cattle and fruits, where the ratio is over 200%. It is one of the most important issues to improve the output-based
food self-sufficiency ratio in future Hokkaido.

 Food Ｓelf-sufficiency Ｒatio of Hokkaido and Ｍajor Ｐrefectures（Unit：％,million yen）
Self-sufficiency ratio
B/A

Calorie A Output B
40
70
Japan
Hokkaido
187
199
121
216
Aomori
108
185
Iwate
175
149
Akita
Yamagata
134
162
101
117
Niigata
100
153
Saga
67
263
MiyazakiKagoshima
95
241

1.75
1.06
1.79
1.71
0.85
1.21
1.16
1.53
3.93
2.54

The figures are as of FY2008(estimate).

34. Value of agricultural production: changes and component ratio While the value of agricultural production is declining throughout the country, the value of agricultural productionin Hokkaido has remained at nearly one trillion yen since 1984.
The component ratio of the value of production throughout Hokkaido is greater for dairy cattle, field crops andvegetables than other prefectures.

Value of Agricultural Production of Hokkaido and
Its Nationwide Share（100 milion yen）

15,000Note) The policy for ensuring consistency in the operating
income of rice paddies and field farming wasintroduced in 2007. This led to some of the grantsthat had been previously included in the value of
production of wheat, soybeans, beets and potatoes
for starch materials being given to management
bodies in a lump sum as grants based on pastrecords of production. They are not included in thevalue of production of the relevant crops. In the past,each municipality was considered to be a unit whenestimating the figures. Instead, a prefecture is now
considered to be a unit when estimating the figures.
For this reason, intermediate products that are
sold/purchased between municipalities within thesame prefecture are not included in the value of
production.

（％）(12.2) 15
10,111

10,000

10

5,000

5

0

0
1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 2000 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Value of agricultural production

Nationwide share

Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries “Statistics on income of production farmers”

Component Ratio of the Value of Agricultural Production
Ho kkaido 196040

1 9 7532

31

1 9 9019

18

2 0 0511

2 0 0911

Nat ionwide 2 009

23

22

0%

14

25
17

20%

15
18

7

11

6 2

25

40%

Fie ld crops

27

15

Ve getable

32

15

22

2

2

37
14

60%

R ice

15

2

2

19

O t her crop
far ming
Milk cows

15
10

O t her livestock
far ming
P r ocessed farmpr o ducts

22

80%

Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries“Statistics on income of production farmers”

1 0 0%

4

5. Agricultural characteristics in each area
 Hokkaido contains a large area of Japan, and its weather and location conditions vary between regions. For this reason, many
regions of Hokkaido have unique agricultural practices.
East and North Hokkaido(upland farming) area
Central Hokkaido area
Agriculture based on large-scale andAgriculture based onrice cultivation, including
vegetable, bloodhorse,and beef cattle
production, making useof regional peculiarity

mechanized upland farming management,
mainly producing wheat, soybeans, sugar
beets, potatoes, and dairy products

Agricultural output 411.3 billion yen (2006)
Upland field crops
41.8%

Agricultural output 399.5 billion yen (2006)
Rice
26.0%

Vegetable
23.6%

Milk Vegetable Other
cows 11.5% livestock
32.2%
12.4%

Other
crops
1.0%

Other Upland Milk Other
livestock field cows crops
crops 11.0% 3.6%
21.5%
14.2%

East and North Hokkaido(dairy farming) area
South Hokkaido area
Intensive agriculture
based on rice,cultivation, including
greenhousehorticulture, uplandfarming, and fruit
cultivation

Agriculture based onlarge-scale dairy
farming at EU levelmaking use of vast
meadows

Agricultural output 152.4 billion yen (2006)

Agricultural output 89.6 billion yen (2006)
Milk cows
90.9%
Vegetable
30.4%

UplandOther Milk Rice
livestock cows 12.7
field
crops
17.0% 12.2% %
18.9%

Other
crops
8.9%

Other
livestock
6.5%

Vegetable Upland
Other
1.3%
field livestock
crops
0.3%
0.8%

5

6. Industrial structure of Japan and agricultural, forestry, marine and foodindustries in Hokkaido
 The edible farm and marine products that are supplied domestically are worth 10.6 trillion yen(including imports). Their added value is increased by, for example, the production of food and offers ofservice. Final consumption reaches 73.6 trillion yen.
 The value of production of the agricultural, forestry and fishery industries in Hokkaido accounts for
12.8% of the value of production nationwide. Pushing forward with commitments to increasing theadded value may propel growth to an even greater level.
 Agriculture, forestry, fishery and other industries in Hokkaido
 Flow From Production of Edible Farm andMarine Products to Final Consumption ofFood and Drinks(Unit: billion yen)Stage ofproduction ofedible farmand marine
products

Agriculture,
forestry andfishery

Flow from production to consumption

Final stage ofconsumption offood and drinks

Industry

Farm and marine
products for final
consumption

Agriculture

Domestic
production

Food
manufacturing

Freshproducts etc.

Processed
food for final
consumption*

Forestry

Processed foodfor secondary
processing
Farm andmarine products
for food
manufacturing

Processed
food for final
consumption

Fishery

Domestic
production

Imported edible
farm and marine
products

Processed
products

Classification

Food

Farm andmarine products
for restaurant
industry

Importedprocessed foodJapan

Percentage (%)

Cultivated area

2010

1,156,000 ha

4,593,000 ha

25.2

Value of production (A)2009¥1,011.1 billion¥8,316.2 billion

12.2

Forest area

2010

5,336,000 ha

24,461,000 ha

21.8

Value of production (B)2009¥43.7 billion¥412.2 billion

10.6

Value of production ofmarine fishery andaquafarming (C)2009¥258.0 billion¥1,383.7 billion

18.6¥1,312.8 billion¥10,112.1 billion

13.0¥2,166.2 billion¥34,441.4 billion

6.3(A)+(B)+(C)Processed foodfor restaurant
industry

Hokkaido

Value of shipments of food,beverages etc.

2009

Restaurant
industry
Restaurant

Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry

Domestic
production

Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries calculation of
the economy of industries related to agriculture and food6

7. Changes in agricultural structure While farm households in Hokkaido continue to decrease in number, the percentage of farmers aged 65 or older,which have continued to rise, remains at about 30% in recent years.
 As for the number of single crop farm households by management form, rice growers make up the largest part,but have decreased significantly.
 While the cultivated acreage has decreased after the peak in 1990, cultivation-abandoned land has continued toincrease.
（thousandhouseholds）

Number of Farm Households and Percentage of Farmers
Aged 65 or Older(Farming Population)

120
100

60

21

46

28

41

52
6

24

33

46
5
17

18

29

45

27

24

44

6
16

5
12

23

27

0

1990

1995

2000

2005

Source: “Census on Agriculture and Forestry”,“Agricultural Structure Trend Survey” by the
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries（thousand
ha)
1,400
1,200
1,000

800

200
0

2009

2010

Transition of Cultivated Acreage
987
291

600
400

2008

Full-timePart-time class 1
Part-time class 2
Total farm households
Percentage of farmers 65 years of age or older

1,209 1,201 1,185 1,169 1,162 1,158 1,156
1,140 1,185
1,076
243
240
236
258
228
226
225
225
267
276
413

406

426

439

418

414

412

415

414

414

209

380

462

496

523

540

534

525

518

516

15

Perennial crop land

14

83

23

17
14

59

8
12

23

16

12

6
11

9
9

14
5
8

19

12

7

20

10

35

26

74

5
17

0

5

Semi-single
Other(single)

49

45

44

12

11
10

10

7

7

20
0
6

8

8

7

11
4
7
8

11

44
Dairy
farming(single)
Vegetable
growing(single)

1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2008 2009 2010
Source: Census on Agriculture and Forestry”, “Agricultural Structure Trend Survey” by the
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Note 1: The percentage of the largest products in total product sales in single, semi-single, andmultiple farm households is 80% or more, 60-80%, and less than 60%, respectively.
Note 2: Upland field cropping means the sum of wheat, coarse cereals, potatoes, beans, andindustrial crops.

（thousand
20 ha)

Transition of Cultivation-Abandoned Land
20

18

15
15

13

10
10

4
1
6

514

4
1
8

6

10

1

2

8

8

10
2

6

0

1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2008 2009 2010
Meadow

15

8

5

480

9

40

20

Transition of the Number of Farm Households byManagement Form
Multiple

98

21

60

0

1985

15

80

25

10

40
20

35

63

12

31

100

40

30
25

18

（thousandhouseholds）106

34

74

15

35

35

31

87

19

80

36

34

100

（％）

Upland field

1990
1995
Non farmland owner

2000
2005
2010
Self-sufficient farmCommercial farm

Paddy field

Source: “Census on Agriculture and Forestry”, “Cultivated Acreage Survey”
by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Source: “Census on Agriculture and Forestry” by the Ministryof Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

78. Trends of farmers
 As of the end of March 2010, the number of certified farmers in Hokkaido was 32,823 management bodies. This
figure has remained virtually unchanged in recent years, and is almost equal to the number of full-time farmers.
 The number of farm production corporations is consistently increasing, with 2,649 as of the end of January 2011.
 The number of contractors is also consistently increasing, with 284 as of the end of March 2010. While the aging of
farmers and a shortage of labor are anticipated, contractors are expected to serve as one of the key regional systems
for supporting individual management.
（Households） Changes in the Number of Certified Farmers and60,00054,880Full-time Farmers
36,00045,21733,000 31,783
42,87034,00036,00050,00040,00032,82332,73532,80832,33329,76330,00019,59220,00010,000 3,659 13,593
0
Mar.
1995

Mar.
2000

Mar.
2003

Mar.
2006

Certified farmers

Mar.
2007

Mar.
2008

Mar.
2009

Mar.
2010

（Corporations）
3,000

Changes in the Number ofFarm Production Corporations

2,500

2,642 2,649

2,182

2,000
1,317 1,394 1,292 1,318

1,500
1,000

2,459 2,559

1,559

1,794

913

500
0

Full-time farmers

1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2008 2009 2010 2011
Source: Research conducted by the Department of Agriculture, Hokkaido Government

Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries “Agriculture and forestry census,”“Survey on the structural dynamics of agriculture” etc.
Research conducted by the Department of Agriculture, Hokkaido Government

Changes in The Number of Contractor Organizations

300
200
100
0

14

20

1988

1991

63

1998

117

2001

177

2003

229

288

282

284

2005

2007

2008

2009

Source: Research conducted by the Department of Agriculture, Hokkaido Government

8９. Formulation and implementation of the Hokkaido Agriculture andRural Areas Vision 21
 In March 2004, the Hokkaido Agriculture and Rural Areas Vision 21 was formulated with the aim of clarifying thepicture of the agriculture and rural areas of Hokkaido in the future, in accordance with the basic philosophy of the
Hokkaido Agriculture and Rural Areas Promotion Ordinance (enacted in April 1997).
 Outline of the Hokkaido Agriculture andRural Areas Promotion Ordinance● The Hokkaido Agriculture and Rural Areas Promotion Ordinance wasenacted in April 1997. It was the first of its kind in Japan, and wasaimed at ensuring the sound growth of agriculture in Hokkaido andmaking its rural areas rich and comfortable to live in.
The basic philosophy of the ordinance is to appreciate and nurture theassets of agriculture and rural areas of Hokkaido and ensure that they
are appropriately inherited by the generations to come.
● The ordinance defines Hokkaido’s attitudes and a basic framework forthe agricultural administration of Hokkaido. By placing priority on thebenefit of local communities, Hokkaido comprehensively andsystematically implements its unique measures, as well as national
measures.
● The fund for facilitating exchange between the rural areas of Hokkaido
was established in accordance with the ordinance. The fund is used tofacilitate commitments designed for local people to become familiar withand broaden their understanding of agriculture and rural areas.

 Basic plan of the ordinance Sound growthof agriculture
 Make the rural
areas rich andcomfortable tolive inLay the foundations to support
agriculture and rural areas.

Establish profitable agriculture in the regions.

Make farm management diverse and relaxed.

Train and secure future farmers.

Harmonize agriculture with the environment.

Enrich and invigorate rural areas.

 Outline of the Hokkaido Agriculture andRural Areas Vision 21● “Food” and “environment” based on relationships of trust between
consumers and producers, and “people” and “local communities”
supporting these relationships are considered in envisioning the ideal for
agriculture and rural areas in Hokkaido in around a decade’s time and inplanning the basic direction of the commitment to realizing the ideal.
● Aside from being the common guidelines for people concerned with
agriculture in Hokkaido, the Vision 21 is based on the sufficientunderstanding of consumers and other local people of the role ofagriculture and rural areas, and characteristically serves as a message to
ask for involvement in “local production for local consumption,” green
tourism and other commitments that are relevant to the people and aredesigned for the growth of the local agriculture and rural areas.

 Ideal of the Vision 21 in the future and basic direction ofcommitments toward the realization of the ideal
Food

Environment

Consumers and producers sharestrong bonds through food in thelocal agriculture and rural areas.

By being harmonized with theenvironment, local agriculture andrural areas develop sustainably.

 Develop of a safe and reassuring system offood production is supported by consumers’
trust.
 Produce and offer food to enrich people’s
diets.
 Strengthen the ties between consumers andproducers through “local production for local
consumption” and dietary education.

 Facilitate production activities that areharmonized with the environment.
 Create rural spaces that conserve theenvironment and are relaxing.

PeopleLocal communities

Many people remain energetically
active in the local agriculture andrural areas.

Agriculture and rural areas improvethe community by fully utilizing
individuality.

 Ensure next generation diversity and energy.
 Train management bodies and organizations
to support regional agriculture.

 Maximize individuality in creating the one andonly community.
 Offer opportunities to become familiar withand enjoy farming.
 Create a comfortable and livable place.

910. Fourth-term Hokkaido Agricultural and Rural Development
Promotion Plan
Basic concepts for plan formulation［Plan outline］
The Fourth-term Hokkaido Agricultural and Rural Development Promotion Plan was formulated in accordancewith the sixth clause of the Hokkaido Agriculture and Rural Village Development Code (No. 10 Hokkaido Code1997). This plan is intended to build Hokkaido agriculture and its rural villages so that they can sustainably
develop into the future by accurately responding to changes and issues in the environment surrounding
Hokkaido’s agriculture and its rural villages while comprehensively and systematically promoting policies related
to the promotion of agriculture and rural villages.

［Plan characteristics］
・ A mid-term policy from Hokkaido’s agricultural administration to clarify the approach of measures related toagriculture and rural villages, which the Hokkaido government desires to promote.
・ The plan represents the basic approach of policies for proposing measures and making requests for system
improvements related to agriculture and rural village promotion that reflect the reality of Hokkaido-specificissues to the central government.
・ The plan is expected to be used as a reference by municipal governments and related organizations when
they take proactive initiatives according to the circumstances in each region.
・ The plan presents the basic approach and core policies of Hokkaido’s agricultural administration. For areasthat have formulated individual plans and policies, specific policies are promoted based on those plans andpolicies.

［Plan period］
Five years between 2011 and 201510

Promotion policies and development approach for agriculture and ruralvillages

Promotion policy 2

Promotion policy 1
Promote a stable supply of safe and secure foodsin accordance with demand and sustainableagriculture to support the food supply

Develop motivated human resources tosupport Hokkaido’s agriculture and ruralvillages

Use Hokkaido’s outstanding potential of
Hokkaido to the fullest extent

Develop vibrant rural villages that can achieve stable production ofsafe, high- quality agricultural products in a clean northern region
while highlighting individuality
Promotion policy 3
Secure, maintain, and effectively use prime
agricultural land as a cornerstone of agricultural
production

Future image of Hokkaido’s agriculture andvillages as seen in Vision 21

Promotion policy 4
Develop industries that focus on agriculture
and build comfortable and rich rural villages

Hokkaido’s agriculture helps increase Japan’s
food self-sufficiency to the fullest extent

1111. Secure food safety and reliability
 In March 2005, the Hokkaido Food Safety and Reliability Regulations and the Hokkaido Regulations on the Preventionof Crossing etc. through the Cultivation of Genetically-modified Crops etc. were enacted in Hokkaido.
Outline of the Hokkaido Food Safety andReliability Regulations
Aim
Comprehensively and systematically implement measures to ensure foodsafety and reliability, more over produce and supply food that is safe andreliable for consumers helping the people in Hokkaido remain healthy.

Basic philosophy(i) Ensure that people have opportunities to choose safe food.
(ii) Base it on the understanding that the protection of the people’s healthis of the utmost importance.
(iii) Reflect people’s wishes and opinions, and cooperate with producers
and other people in Hokkaido.
(iv) The commitment covers the entire process from the production to theconsumption of food.

Outline of the Hokkaido Regulations on the Prevention of
Crossing etc. through the Cultivation of Genetically-modified
Crops etc.
Aim
 Prevent crossing and commingling. Prevent the occurrence of confusion in
the production and distribution processes.
 Coordinate industrial activities concerning the development of geneticallymodified crops etc. with activities for the production of regular agricultural
crops.
 Protect the health of the people in Hokkaido and promote the industries in
Hokkaido.

Mechanism of the system
Classification

Description

Open-type regularcultivation(i) The grower sends the governor an application for alicense after a regional explanatory meeting is held.
(ii) The governor listens to the opinions of the Food
Safety and Reliability Committee before deciding foror against licensing the grower.
The committee shall include a specialized group of
researchers who undertake research anddeliberations from a scientific standpoint.
(iii) The governor may give the licensed grower
recommendations, order the discontinuation ofcultivation, order the implementation of specificmeasures, and cancel the license whenevernecessary.

Measures

Measures for food safety and reliability

Basic measures

Develop a system to provide information,
conduct inspections and monitoring offood etc., train human resources,
facilitate research and development andrespond to emergencies.

Licenserequired

Production and supplyof safe foodConserve the production-related
environment by, for example, facilitating
the hygienic control of food, ensuring
the safety and reliability of farm
products and seafood and ensuring theproper use of production materials.

Encouragement oflabeling andcertification to gain
people’s trust

Facilitate the certification system of
made-in-Hokkaido food by, for example,
encouraging proper labeling.

Open-type trial
cultivation

Exchange of
information andopinions, facilitation ofmutual understandingetc.

Hokkaido Food Safety andReliability Committee

Facilitate dietary education through theexchange of information and opinions;complaints and requests from people;
financial measures.

Designed for testing
and research
conducted by a test/
research organization
at a rice field forresearch purposes

Notification
required(i) The test/research organization sends a notification to
the governor after a regional explanatory meeting is
held.
(ii) The governor listens to the opinions of the Food
Safety and Reliability Committee.
The committee shall include a specialized groupconsisting of researchers that undertakes researchand deliberations from a scientific standpoint.
(iii) The governor may give the test/research organization
recommendations, order the discontinuation ofcultivation, and order the implementation of specificmeasures.

Regulations on the establishment ofregular ancillary organizations

12

 As both of the regulations had been in effect for three years or longer as of 2008, the status of their enforcement was inspected and verified.
 Taking into consideration the results of the inspection and verification as well as the opinions of many people in Hokkaido, the Basic Plan on Food
Safety and Reliability in Hokkaido (2nd) and the Dosanko Dietary Education Plan (Hokkaido dietary education encouragement plan (2 nd) were
formulated in December 2009 in line with the Food Safety and Reliability Regulations.
 In line with these plans, measures for food safety/reliability and dietary education are implemented comprehensively and effectively.

Outline of Basic Plan on Food Safety andReliability in Hokkaido (2nd)Aim
Clarify the goals and details of the comprehensive implementation of the mid-term
food safety/reliability measures in line with the provisions of the Hokkaido Food Safety
and Reliability Regulations. Taking into consideration the results of the inspection andverification concerning the status of the enforcement of the regulations (conducted in2008) and in response to the changes in the current state of affairs concerning food,the basic plan was reviewed in early 2009.
Period Fiscal 2009 - 2013
Details of the plan Specify measures in line with the relevant regulations.
In terms of the key issues, also focus on the entity that works on the commitment
and clarify how the measures will develop.

Encourage producers andbusiness entities to voluntarily
tackle commitments.

 Encourage producers andbusiness entities to makeefforts to secure trust.

 Facilitate the securing ofsafety throughout the processfrom production to
consumption.
 Maintain and conserve asustainable production
environment.

Encourage consumers tovoluntarily tackle commitments.

Mutualunderstanding
andcooperation

Outline of Dosanko Dietary Education Plan
Definition of dietary education
Through a variety of experience, educate and equip people with knowledge
about food and the ability to choose good food and make their eating
habits richer and healthier.

Period2009 – 2013
Goal
Promoting people to obtain high-quality eating habits, which effectively
leads them to have prolonged life span and to be mentally enriching.
Twelve practices to learn from and base one’s actions on inaccordance with the basic plan and dietary education for theachievement of the goal
I

Facilitate dietary education to make people’s eating habits healthier.
(i) Learn about the relationships between food, spirit and body.
(ii) Learn how to become more health-conscious through eating.
(iii) Learn what is good about Japanese-style eating habits.
(iv) Be knowledgeable enough to accurately understand food-related
information.

II

Facilitate dietary education to help people learn more about food andbecome mentally enriched by improving their eating habits.
(v) Learn how valuable food is and be thankful for the blessings ofnature.
(vi) Understand the process of making food.
(vii) Learn basic cooking skills.
(viii) Cultivate one’s taste.
(ix) Appreciate gourmet food.
(x) Deepen one’s thoughts about the environment through eating.

 Encourage consumers tomake their eating habits
healthier.

 Lay the foundations forbuilding trust in food.

Facilitate government-led
commitments.

III Facilitate dietary education to achieve eating habits that ideally
represent Hokkaido.
(xi) Learn about the agricultural, forestry, fishery and food industries of
the region.
(xii) Learn the importance of “local production for local consumption.”1312. Systematic development of agriculture and rural areas
 In addition to their basic role of ensuring a consistent food supply, agriculture and rural areas function in many
areas such as land security (Flood prevention) and the maintenance of rural landscapes.
 In March 2005, the Hokkaido Agriculture and Rural Areas Development Policy was formulated. The policy sets
forth the new direction of the development of agriculture and rural areas with the aim of creating rich “ruralspaces.” In line with the policy, agriculture and rural areas are developed in a more focused and efficient manner.
Appraised value of the multifaceted functions ofagriculture and rural areas in Hokkaido(Unit: 100 million yen)

Land security

7,405

Flood prevention 6,143, prevention of soil erosion 32, recharging
water resources 543, air purification 687

Amenities

4,149

Landscape conservation 2,464, health recuperation for 1,044,
ecological conservation 641

Education and culture

1,027

Nature education 1,017, practical agricultural training 10

Appraised value total:
1.2581 trillion yen

Source: Department of Agriculture, Hokkaido Government (1997)

Outline of Hokkaido Agriculture and Rural Areas Development Policy
 Ensure safety and reliability in food production.
Develop a land infrastructure by, for example,
improving water discharge and soil layers, for the
purpose of improving commitment to clean
agriculture and crop quality.

 Support farmers and regions that are diverse innature.
Develop a production infrastructure to facilitate thetraining and securing of future farmers; improve theliving environment; conserve and manage regional
resources; and encourage green tourism.

 Support the coexistence of many different
creatures and beautiful scenery.
Conserve and regenerate the natural environment.
Restore attractive scenery.

Implementationof the threeplans based on
the voluntary
involvement of
the relevant
regions.

Create a richrural space
where
functions andattractivenessare maximized.

Water foragricultural use
retaining the quantity andquality required for consistentproduction and functioning inmany different areas

Farmland where safe,
high-quality farm products
can be produced
sustainably and to a highstandard

Five regional
resources comprisea rich rural space

Natural environment
accommodating a variety ofcreatures and keeping theecological system healthy

Agricultural
facilities functional andusable in improving theefficiency of farm
production and the comfort
of rural life

Rural landscape inwhich farmlands, nature andfarming facilities are harmonizedwith one another and make theresidents and visitors feel
affluent and peaceful14II. Direction of development of agriculture and rural areas in Hokkaido
1. Efforts to establish a food brand connecting consumers, producers andbusiness entities with one another.
1-(1) Food appreciation movement
 The food appreciation movement, the combined government-private effort to comprehensively encourage “local production
for local consumption,” “dietary education” and “slow food,” has been developed, and many associated commitments havebeen implemented in Hokkaido.
 Food Appreciation Day is designated as a part of the system to encourage local people to buy local products. The
movement also supports the Food Appreciation Fair and Sapporo Marche organized by producers etc.
 Restaurants and accommodation providers that serve cuisine using carefully selected made-in-Hokkaido ingredients areauthorized as Northern Food Appreciation Restaurants. People who are knowledgeable or skilled in utilizing the regional
climate and food culture for creating cuisine unique to Hokkaido are registered as Masters of Hokkaido’s Unique Cuisines.
(i) Food Appreciation Day is designated.
The third Saturday and Sunday of each month aredesignated as Food Appreciation Day, whenadvertising activities are run in conjunction withsupermarkets so that “local production for local
consumption” will lead directly to purchases.

(ii) Food Appreciation Fair and Marche (2010)- Food Appreciation Fair: Held from May – November in 11 different
locations around Hokkaido.
- Sapporo Marche: Held in ten different locations in Sapporo.

(iii) Northern Food Appreciation Restaurants
Designed to acknowledge accommodation providers
and restaurants that commit to “local production for
local consumption” by encouraging the use of madein-Hokkaido ingredients and helping their guests
become aware of the benefits of these ingredients
through serving carefully selected cuisine cookedusing only made-in-Hokkaido ingredients.

317 restaurants as ofAugust 2011(iv) Masters of Hokkaido’s Unique Cuisines
People who are knowledgeable about utilizing
the regional climate and food culture in creating
cuisine unique to Hokkaido are registered as
Masters of Hokkaido’s Unique Cuisines.
Information about these masters is displayed on
various websites.

171 masters as of August 201115

1-(2) Labeling of made-in-Hokkaido food(i) Independent certification of made-in-Hokkaido food (Kirarippu)
D

Sensory
testing- Consumers- Specialists

Certified

Characteristics- Foods that are manufactured and processed in Hokkaido byusing farm, livestock or marine products made in Hokkaido- The production area, production method and other information
are provided- Advanced hygienic control- Outstanding characteristics such as special materials andproduction methods- Sensory (taste) testing is performed- Strictly inspected by a third-party organization
Certification status- 21 standards and a total of 47 companies and 64 products had
been certified as of August 2011
(Certified items: ham, bacon, sausages, soy sauce salmon roe,soy sauce, wine, miso, tofu, Japanese sake, natural cheese,buckwheat noodles, salmon roe, ice cream, aged and salted
salmon, natto, shochu, raw Chinese noodles and aged and salted
pink salmon,beer,nucured ham, fish sauce)

認証

Productcharacteristics
Special production methods,
regionality and other criteria forevaluating the characteristics of the foodC

Safety criteria
Designed to provide consumers withgreater reassurance about their food(The criteria are established on an item basis)

B

Criteria for providing production information- Describe the place of origin (municipality etc.) in detail- Production method (names of materials etc.)

Criteria for ingredientsA(ii) Registration of made-in-Hokkaido food

- Processed food mainly consisting of made-in-Hokkaido ingredients- Fresh food made in Hokkaido

Criteria etc.
- Manufactured and processed in Hokkaido- The main ingredients are made in Hokkaido- The label states that the ingredients are made in Hokkaido- It is available to consumers in exactly the same form as
when the product is finally shipped
Registration status- 94 companies and 278 items as of August 201116

1-(3) Commitments to improve the added value of farm products etc.
 With the aim of consistently facilitating the process from production and processing through to
distribution backed by cooperation between local farmers and processing companies/distributors,
Hokkaido encourages efforts to add more value to local farm products under the guidance of Mr.
Takeo Koizumi, a professor emeritus at the University of Tokyo and Honorary Food Adviser of
Hokkaido.
 Kitauma Project; unified sales strategy for products derived from local projects
Status of advertising activities etc.

Major project-related goods

Pumpkin syrup(Abashiri-shi)Haruyutaka Wheat Vinegar(Shimokawacho)

Strong Powder andPasta of JA Douou

Mr. Koizumi and the governor on thestreet during a promotional campaign(Yurakucho, January 30)

Tokachigyoza (Obihiro-shi)
Rapeseed Oil (Takikawa-shi)

Kireimame (Honbetsucho)

17

[Reference] Examples of rural commitments to produce high value-added foods- In Hokkaido, local farm products are utilized in an effort to revitalize rural areas through, for example, making high valueadded products.

- The Agricultural Policy Planning
Department has run the Added
Value Improvement Project since2007, and supports
commitments originating fromwithin the regions of Hokkaido.

Commitments to the revitalization of rural areas are being developed all around Hokkaido- Making farmers’ cheese (69 locations in Hokkaido)- Producers sell farm products they have made directly. Farm inns and farmrestaurants (1,253 in Hokkaido)- Producers participate in cooking contests (encouraging producers to launch
their business)- Encouraging the utilization of the regional climate and food culture increating cuisine that is unique to Hokkaido (Masters of Hokkaido’s Unique Cuisines)

Central area (Ishikari, Sorachi, Shiribeshi, Iburi and
Hidaka)- Ebetsu wheat is used to make ramen and sweets (Ebetsu-shi)- Takikawa rapeseed is used to produce cooking oil etc.
(Takikawa-shi)- Women from local farms make and sell torimeshi, a kind ofchicken rice that dates back to the days of the development of
Hokkaido (Bibai-shi Nakamura district)- Local women make croquettes from lily roots, a specialty, and sellthem (Makkari-mura)- Only vegetables grown in the area are used to make pickles thatare free from additives or preservatives, and that are served inlocal restaurants (Akaigawa-mura)- Homemade grapes are used to make wine (Mikasa-shi)

Winery of a farmer in Mikasa-shi

Women in the rural area of
Bibai-shi Nakamura district

Southern area (Oshima and Hiyama)- Fukkurinko, a new species of rice grown mainlyin the southern area of Hokkaido, is used to create
cuisine (all areas under the jurisdiction)- Apples grown in the area are used to produce cider(Nanaecho)

Winner of the cooking contest

The winner’s creation

Northern area (Kamikawa, Rumoi and Soya)- Soybeans grown in the area are used to produce soybean milk and otherprocessed foods (Asahikawa-shi)- Wheat grown in the area is used to make tenobemen (hand-stretchednoodles) (Shimokawacho)- Rice, vegetables and other ingredients grown in the area are used to makecurry omelets (Furano-shi)

Farm restaurant in Naganumacho

Farm standEastern area (Tokachi, Abashiri, Kushiro and Nemuro)- Beans are used to make a new processed food (Honbetsucho
and Otofukecho)- Wheat grown in the area is used to produce
ramen, gyoza etc. (Sharicho and Obihiro-shi)- Brown Swiss raw milk is used to make cheese(Shintokucho)- Chinese yams are exported from Kawanishi,
Obihiro-shi to Taiwan, and hairless Chinese
yams are produced in Makubetsucho
Chinese yams harvested in- Making milk jam (Kamishihorocho)
Kawanishi, Obihiro-shi181-(4) Komechen and Mugichen Komechen (literally “rice change;” encouraging consumers to switch from rice harvested in other prefectures to rice
harvested in Hokkaido) is being developed with the aim of achieving a consumption rate of 80% in Hokkaido.
 Mugichen (literally “wheat change”) has also been launched with the aim of encouraging consumers to switch fromimported wheat to wheat harvested in Hokkaido. Individuals and organizations involved in the process from production,
distribution, and processing through to consumption cooperate with one another to meet demand for wheat production
and consumption/distribution.
 Mugichen logo
* Recognized as the advertising symbolof Mugichen, the logo is used in many
regions and organizations (advertising
documents, events etc.).

Source: Research conducted by Department of Agriculture, Hokkaido Government Mugichen supporters

Hokkaido rice being advertised at the Nemuro
sanma (Pacific saury) festival* Distributed and posted
as proof of being a
Mugichen supporter

Outline Location- Bakeries, restaurants and other shops
offering wheat-derived products directly
to consumers
 Certification requirements- At least 30% of the wheat used inmeals served in a shop is made in
Hokkaido;or- At least one item is completely derived
from made-in-Hokkaido wheat;and- Aiming to use made-in-Hokkaido wheat
for at least 50% of the wheat used inmeals served in a shop19

1-(5) Building infrastructures for farm production
 Budgets for building infrastructures for agriculture and rural areas have been controlled in recent years due to the financial difficulties experienced
by the national and local governments.
 The damage that resulted from the cold weather and extreme humidity in 2009 was one of the events that led the people to refresh theirunderstanding of the importance of building agricultural infrastructures.
The Hokkaido Government researched the effectiveness of building infrastructures and learned that paddy fields equipped with a water drainage
system enjoyed greater quality, crops and workability than paddy fields without such a system.
 Commitments to improve the efficiency of projects currently include reducing the cost of public works through, for example, prolonging the service
life of facilities to reduce life-cycle costs as well as construction costs.
 To ensure the consistency of local farm production, the development of farm production infrastructures needs to be continued systematically andeffectively.
Changes in Budgets for Building Infrastructures for Agriculture and Rural Areas(prefectural budget based)(Million yen)

250,000

Supplementary budget

Comparison of yield between paddy fields with and without infrastructure(Damage resulting from cold weather and extreme humidity in 2009:non-paddy field farming, pasture: without infrastructure is considered as
100 in the calculation.)
125

130

Initial budget

200,000

120

150,000

110

106

118

130

110

105

Without inf rastructureWith inf rastructure100
100,000

90
50,00080

01980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Reducing the cost of public works

Wheat （non-paddy
fields）

PotatoSugar beet

SoybeanOnion

PastureSource: Research on the Effectiveness of Building Infrastructures(Department of Agriculture, Hokkaido Government)

Shortened Labor Hours Due to Land Readjustment and Other Reasons

Slim bucket
Traditional bucket

水稲
Wet-rice

Wheat
小
麦

 A slim bucket with a narrower width than that of the traditional design is used
for excavating the underdrain ditch for drainage construction.
(Value of reduction: 170 thousand yen/ha; reduction percentage: 7.8%)

3.9

25%

2.7

Sugar
て んbeetさい

9.9

Potato
ばれいしょ

10.8

0
(hr/10a)Large-scale
readjustment

15.1 20.0

5

10
After
整備後
infrastructure31%
15.335%

13.3

19%

15

20

Soil layer
improvement andwater drainage
construction

Before整備前
infrastructure

Example: wet-rice: 2006 Moseushi Rokku area, other: 2004

Northern part of Obihiro

Source: Department of Agriculture, Hokkaido Government20

2. Harmonizing the sustainable growth of agriculture and rural areas withthe environment[Clean agriculture and organic agriculture] Clean agriculture and organic agriculture are designed to consistently offer safe farm products that meet
consumers’ needs, while pursuing harmony with the environment.
Number of groups and crops registered with YES!clean(1) Clean agriculture Minimize the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides by focusing on
creating healthy soil through the use of organic substances and the like.

(Number ofgroups)(Number ofcrops)

YES!clean label
The made-in-Hokkaido farm products carrying this label have met
specific requirements such as the use of clean agriculture technologies
and a reduction in the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Requirements for label certification- Produced in Hokkaido and satisfies the registration criteria- Produced in accordance with the cultivation standards- Collected, stored and shipped separately from other farm products(Year)(2) Organic agriculture Stay away from the use of chemical fertilizers andpesticides and minimize the environmental load asmuch as possible.
Inspection and certification of organic farm products
Organic JAS standards- Continuous non-use of chemical fertilizers andpesticides for at least two years- Separated from farm products produced using existingprocedures- No use of genetic modification technology- Compost etc. is used to make soil
- Prevent chemical fertilizers and pesticides fromspreading.

Hokkaido safetyguaranteed label

Number of organic JAS-certified farm households versus
number of all farm households in Hokkaido (%)

N umber of Organic JAS-certified Farm Households
V ersus N umber of All Farm Households in（Households（％）
H okkaido(%)）
400

Certifier’s name

Organic JAS mark(national standard)

0.9

350

Household
s
％

300

0.4

0.7
0.6

0.5
311

289

0.7
341

0.4

0.3
250

0.6

300

0.3

295

200

0.1
199

150

-0.1

2002

2003

2004

2005

2008

2009

21

3. Fostering and ensuring prospective farmers[Promotion of new farmers]
 The number of new farmers had remained at around 700 since 2001,and it exceeded 700 in 2010. As for farming
forms, upland farming and dairy farming are popular among all new farmers, and vegetable growing and dairy
farming are popular among newly-entered farmers.
 The Hokkaido Government implements comprehensive measures such as on-site training education at the
Hokkaido College of Agriculture as well as farming counseling and offering agrarian system funds in cooperation
with the Hokkaido Agricultural Development Cooperation (Farmer Support Center) for Prospective Farmers.
(household)Transition of the number of new farmers

800
599
600

400

200

529
29
100

400

501
31
53

417

64
192

343

701

697

102

86

208

391

247

364

671

728
71

653

80

267

391

650
88

266

338

695
69

55

253

Percentage of new farmers by management form (2008)

331

303

323

599

New farmers

264

257

298

278

Of w hich new lyentered farmers

1991

1995

2000

2001

2002

New graduates

Structure of measures for new farmers(Basic training)

2003

2004

2005

2006

U-turn employment

Hokkaido Agricultural
Development Corporation

0%

22

26.5

8.5

1.5

25.8
20%

40%

Dairy f arming
Flower growing

37.9
60%

Rice growing
Other

3.0
80%

100%

Vegetable growing

Source: Surveys by the Agriculture Department, Hokkaido Government

Agriculture,
Forestry and
Fisheries
Finance
Corporation and
JAs(Technical andmanagerial guidance)

Stable management and settlementin the region(Various agrariansystem fund financing)（Farming counseling,
recommendation of training programs)
Hokkaido Agricultural Development Corporation(Prospective Farmer Support Department)(Farmer support fundfinancing)

Agricultural
corporations(acquisition of skills
as an employer)

2008

New entry

Start farming (start of management)

Training at anadvanced farm

(Leased farm land financing)(Farmland
financing)

Heirs of farmers and newly-entered farmers

Agricultural high schoolor College of Agriculture,
etc.

2007

19.7

Upland f arming
Beef cattle f eeding

0
Source: Surveys by the Agriculture Department,
Hokkaido Government

36.9

66

Extension centers[Hokkaido College of Agriculture]
It offers training programs and education in the advanced department forprospective farmers, and implements basic training for U-turn farmers andnewly-entered farmers.
It became a special technical school in accordance with the School
Education Law in April, 2006.
(Educational content)- Training Department (Livestock Management Course and Field &Horticultural Crops Management Course)- Training Department (Rice Culture Management Study Course)- Advanced Department (Agricultural Management Study)[Hokkaido Agricultural Development Corporation (Prospective Farmer Support Department)]

It aims at fostering and ensuring young farmers who bear the future of
agriculture in Hokkaido. Its membership is made up of relatedorganizations in Hokkaido as well as Hokkaido government, who provide
comprehensive support for new farmers.
(Detailed activities)- Support activities to start farming through farming counseling- Financing farming support fund for approved farmers- Improvement in training and education systems during their technology
acquisition22