Silviase/jgov_v1.4_full_ann huggingface dataset:
Section 3 Initiatives for Reducing Food Supply Cost .....39
Section 4 Various Programs for Developing of New Frontiers
(1) Initiatives for Improvement of Added Value and Creation, Protection and Utilization of Intellectual Property .....41
(2) Acceleration of Utilization of Biomass and Global Environmental Measures .....43
(3) Further Promotion of Exports of Agricultural Products .....45
(4) Promotion of Sustainable Agriculture .....47
Chapter III Revitalization of Rural Areas and Promotion of Complementarities and Interrelationships
Section 1 Present Situation of Rural Areas
(1) Population Trend .....48
(2) Trends of Rural Communities .....49
(3) State of Social Infrastructure Establishments .....51
Section 2 Initiatives for Revitalization of Agriculture and Rural Areas
(1) Present Situation of Agriculture from the Local Economy Aspect .....52
(2) Revitalization of Agriculture and Rural Economy through Collaborations between Food Industry and Agriculture .....53
Section 3 Preservation and Utilization of Rural Resources and Improvement of Rural Environment
(1) Various Rural Resources and Multifunctionality of Agriculture .....54
(2) Activities for Maintenance and Preservation of Rural Resources and Conservation of Local Environments .....55
(3) Initiatives of Measures to Conserve and Improve Land, Water and Environment .....56
Section 4 Revitalization of Rural Communities by Promoting Complementarities and Interrelationships
(1) Importance of Urban Agriculture .....57
(2) Further Promotion of Complementarities and Interrelationships between Urban and Rural Areas .....59
Policies on Food, Agriculture and Rural Areas in Japan (FY2007)
1 Background of the Measures .....64
2 Focus Points of the Measures .....64
3 Measures Related to Consumption and Production with a View to Improved Food Self-Sufficiency .....64
4 Measures to Ensure a Stable Supply of Food .....64
5 Measures Related to the Sustainable Development of Agriculture .....65
6 Measures Related to the Promotion of Rural Areas .....66
7 International Negotiations .....67
8 Measures Related to Reorganization and Improvement of Organizations .....67
9 Measures for Implementing the Policies in a Comprehensive and Systematic Manner .....67
GLOSSARY .....68
Annual Report on Food, Agriculture and Rural Areas in Japan

FY2006

Trends in Food, Agriculture and Rural Areas
## Topics

## 1 Significance and Efficacy of Improvement of the Food Self-sufficiency Ratio

• The food self-sufficiency ratio is the index that reflects how effectively the domestic food consumption is covered by domestic production. Japan’s food self-sufficiency ratio on a calorie basis is continuously decreasing for a long time and the recent ratios have leveled off at 40%.

Source: "Food Balance Sheet," the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan (MAFF)

Source: Prepared by MAFF according to "Food Balance Sheet," MAFF

• The possibility has been pointed out that the global food supply-demand problem will become more serious in the long and medium terms because of various factors of instability.

• Even if food import is stopped due to unforeseen circumstances, according to estimates, food equivalent to 2,020 kilocalories per day can be supplied to each person by domestic production alone. The contents of the meals, however, will be far different from the current contents. More potatoes are included, while the amount of milk, dairy products and meat is reduced. The food supply capability should be enhanced to prepare for any contingency.

• Well-balanced “Japanese dietary pattern” featuring rice was realized at the mid-1980s. At that time, the food self-sufficiency ratio on a calorie basis ranged from 52 to 54%. The “Japanese dietary pattern” is expected to contribute to reduce excessive fat intake to maintain healthy life.

• The increase in consumption of domestic agricultural products promotes local agricultural production and contributes to improve the food self-sufficiency ratio.

• For example, taking another spoonful of rice is estimated to improve the food self-sufficiency ratio on a calorie basis by 1%. The increase in consumption of domestic agricultural products, which leads to a reduction of the carbon-dioxide emission associated with marine transportation required to import food, contributes to reduce global warming.

Nutrition of Meals and the Food Self-sufficiency Ratio

Source: Prepared by MAFF

Note: Estimated food self-sufficiency ratio on a calorie basis based on FY 2003 values
## 2 Concentration and Prioritization of Measures for the Principal Farmers

• Through promoting the “Direct Payment for Land-extensive Farming” which is to be applied for the crops produced in FY2007, the policy measures for the principal farmers and those who wish to be the principal farmers are to be increasingly concentrated and prioritized. In this manner, a strong agricultural structure that enables sufficient agricultural production by efficient and stable agricultural management is to be established.

Source: Prepared by MAFF Note: The numbers of certified farmers, specified farming communities, and specified agricultural corporations are obtained from FY 2005 data.

• Assurance of a sufficient number of people involved in agriculture is of prime importance because the number of farmers is decreasing in the long run. In addition to the promotion of Direct Payment for Land-extensive Farming, the introduction of policies that enable fostering and securing the principal farmers and exchange of information is indispensable for an increasing number of young people to come to be engaged in agriculture.

How to be Engaged in Agriculture (Models)

Notes: 1) The ages in the angled brackets and the names of municipalities are based on data as of the end of 2006.

2) The figures in the round brackets are the ages corresponding to the events.

3) The real names are not disclosed.
• Utilization and application of biomass contributes to development of new agriculture, forestry and fisheries fields.

• In recent years, many countries have promoted production and utilization of biofuel in order to reduce global warming and respond to the inflating crude oil prices. The verification tests for bioethanol are currently being conducted in six places in Japan. The local governments also promote biodiesel fuel (BDF) utilization and application.

• MAFF plans to introduce 50 thousand kl of domestic biofuel in a single year in FY2011.

• In November 2006, the Prime Minister directed the agencies and ministries concerned to make a concerted effort to greatly increase domestic biofuel production. In response to this direction, MAFF prepared a progress schedule to remarkably increase domestic biofuel production and submitted the schedule to the Prime Minister in February 2007.

Progress Schedule for Achievement of Increase of Domestic Biofuel Production

*Waste: The cost of waste disposal is collected in advance so that waste can be used as raw material. Source: Biomass NIPPON General Innovation Board (Cabinet Office; Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications; Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology; Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry; Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport; and Ministry of the Environment) "Great Expansion of Domestic Biofuel Production" (published in February 2007)

• Japan is committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 6% in the first commitment period (2008-2012) compared to the base year (1990 in principle) under the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). GHGs increased by 8.1% in FY2005. The measures to cope with global warming should be strongly promoted.

• Promotion of agricultural production activity in a stable manner enables continuous formation and maintenance of the unique natural environment. Efforts should be made to conserve biodiversity of the national land by harmonizing agricultural activity with nature and conserving the ecosystem.

Transition of Greenhouse Gas Emission in Japan

Source: Investigation by Ministry of the Environment

Note: The figure for FY2005 emission is a preliminary figure.

Pest control using a native enemy
## — Trend of Agricultural Product Export Promotion —

• Japanese agriculture faces the possibility of reduction in the scale of the domestic market. Therefore, the traditional idea that the agricultural, forestry and fishery products and foods are produced only for domestic consumption should be changed and the possibility of entering foreign markets should be explored.

• In recent years, there has been a Japanese food boom in foreign countries because of its healthy image and sophisticated taste. Moreover, high-quality Japanese agricultural products are highly appreciated in the world.

• Exports of agricultural, forestry and fishery products and foods are increasing and, in 2006, the export value reached 373.9 billion yen, which indicated a 50% increase compared with the figure for 2001. Currently, various agricultural products and foods including apples, Chinese yams, and soy sauce are exported to many countries, such as the U.S. and European countries and especially Asian countries.

Overview of Export of Main Agricultural Products and Foods (2006)

Source: Prepared by MAFF according to “Trade Statistics,” Ministry of Finance Japan

• Aiming to increase the export value to approximately one trillion yen by 2013, the Government of Japan has prepared a logo for export promotion, has developed a comprehensive export strategy and has held exhibitions and commercial meetings in foreign countries.

• In order to widely and effectively inform about the attractive points of Japanese foods and Japanese foodstuffs, the Government promotes a project titled “WASHOKU-Try Japan’s Good Food.” Furthermore, in March 2007, it has undertaken the process of putting a plan titled “Proposal for Japanese Restaurant Recommendation Program,” which was proposed by the Council of Advisors for the Recommendation of Japanese Restaurants outside Japan, into effect so that Japanese food, which is now booming in the world, can build further popularity.

State of Japanese Restaurant Development in the World

Japanese foods provided

by Japanese Consulate General in Sidney

Source: Prepared by MAFF
— Multifunctionality of Agriculture and Preservation and Utilization of Rural Resources —

## 4 Revitalization of Rural Areas

• Agriculture plays a large variety of roles, including food supply, conservation of national land, conservation of water resources, and preservation of the natural environment. Agriculture, which is closely tied to forestry and fisheries, fulfills various functions.

Source: Prepared by MAFF in accordance with a report by Science Council of Japan

• Although agricultural land and water are the essential social common capital for stable food supply and fulfillment of multifunctionality of agriculture, their maintenance and preservation have become increasingly difficult because of structural changes in rural communities.

• In FY2007, “Measures to Conserve and Improve Land, Water and Environment” is introduced so that the activity for resource and environment preservation and the farming activity which is to be carried out in the preserved environment by using the preserved resources can be integrated and the improvement of the quality of such activities and long-term preservation can be assured.

Overview of “Measures to Conserve and Improve Land, Water and Environment”
— Promotion of Complementarities and Interrelationships between Urban and Rural Areas —

• Promotion of complementarities and interrelationships between urban and rural areas is necessary for revitalization of rural areas. Various interaction programs such as short stay and settlement in the countryside are currently promoted.

Activities Involved in the Promotion of Complementarities and Interrelationships between Urban and Rural Areas

• The Government, NPOs and private companies promote various projects to cope with the needs of the young people and baby boomers that are willing to settle down in the countryside. A campaign for green tourism is also launched.

• Fostering and securing the personnel serving as leaders and establishment of a network supported by a large variety of individuals are indispensable for promotion of complementarities and interrelationships and fostering local brands.

• The human resources and technologies owned by universities and companies and the baby boomers’ knowledge that they accumulated during their careers are expected to play important roles in local revitalization. Actually, utilization of external human resources and technologies in the local industry has successfully contributed to the development of new products based on fresh ideas. Rural areas can be revitalized if such an approach is taken widely.

##

The local government of Ama-cho, Shimane Pref. promotes invitation of specialists and dispatching of workers so that the local workers can learn the methods for utilization of new freezing technique and the traditional salt manufacturing technique. In this manner, the local government makes

efforts to develop local industry and create employment. In collaboration with the external enthusiastic specialists and the Agricultural Cooperative Women's Association, the local government has promoted a project to commercialize turban shell curry so that the special items of the local island can be commercialized on the basis of innovative ideas. The preparations to receive the external persons and promote their long-term settlement on the island, including residences, have been assured. In cooperation with the persons who moved to the island (those who settled in the countryside by making an I turn and U turn), the local fishers started to produce and sell rock oysters. The external human resources and technologies have been effectively utilized. Moreover, the local government holds various programs for the students who have experience in living outside of the island and the young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) to promote their engagement in the local industry, and fosters the interaction between the urban and the rural areas in various forms.

Process of preparing turban shell curry
## I mprovement of the Food Self-sufficiency Ratio and Stable Food Supply

## Section 1 Significance and Problems of Improvement of the Food Self-sufficiency Ratio

## (1) Global Food Situation and Agricultural Product Trade Negotiation

- The global economy has greatly expanded, wealth and capital have moved around the world, and economic ties have been deepened. These phenomena have contributed to the acceleration of economic globalization. Consequently, agricultural product trade has expanded substantially especially with North America, Europe and East Asia.

• In recent years, agricultural product trade with developing countries characterized by rapid economic growth, such as China and Brazil, has expanded greatly.

Transition of Agricultural Product Trade Value by Foreign Geographic Area

Source: Prepared by MAFF according to “FAOSTAT,” Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

Note: The trade value listed was excluding those among EU member states.

• Agricultural production, which is extremely vulnerable to natural conditions, is characterized by considerable variation in production and difficulty in meeting the rapidly changing international demands.

• Furthermore, the trade ratio of agricultural products is lower than the trade ratios of mineral resources and industrial products, and the structure of agricultural product trade is characterized by the fact that specific countries or regions account for a large percentage of exports of main agricultural products.

Trade Ratios of Main Agricultural Products (2005)

Source: Prepared by MAFF according to data collected from “Markets and Trade Data,” published by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA); a report published by the US Department of Energy; and a report published by Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc.

Notes: 1) Trade ratio = (Amount of exports)/(Amount of production)×100

2) The data on petroleum is obtained by summing up the amount of production and the amount of exports of the top 14 countries. The percentage of passenger cars is the 2004 figure, which was calculated by summing up the amount of exports (number of exported cars) of major exporting countries.

Percentage Shares in Export Markets of Main Agricultural Products, Selected Countries (2005)

Source: Prepared by MAFF according to data collected from “Markets and Trade Data,” published by the USDA
• Regarding grain supply and demand in the world in recent years, the amount of production falls below the amount of consumption. The ending stocks ratio has been decreasing and the 2006 ratio decreased to a level close to that in the first half of 1970s, when the export of some agricultural products was restricted.

- While the food demand in the world is expected to further increase with the increase in population in the developing countries, there is concern about the factors of instability adversely affecting agricultural production, such as shortage of water resources and the effects of global warming.

• Amid the expectation of an increase in the demand for grain for animal feed resulting from the increased demand for meat mainly in the developing countries, the increased demand for bioethanol in the U.S., which accounts for 70% of the corn exports in the world, probably has significant influence on the global food supply and demand.

• The possibility that the global food supply-demand problem will become more serious in the long and medium terms has been pointed out. In this situation, the countries having many undernourished people and the food importing countries should assure a stable food supply by promoting continuous development of domestic agricultural production.

- The countries should take a cooperative approach to assure the security of the food supply in the world. Japan is expected to make efforts to stabilize the food supply in East Asia by looking at the problem of food supply and demand in a broader picture.

Transition of World Population, Grain Yield, Ending Stocks Ratio

Source: Prepared by MAFF according to “World Population Prospects: The 2004 Revision” (United Nations) and “Grain: World Markets and Trade” (USDA)

Estimated World Grain Demand

Source: “World agriculture: towards 2030/2050” (FAO)

Notes: 1) The value in "1999/2001" indicates the mean of the imports during the three years from 1999 to 2001.

2) Numerical value of total grain demand [(grain for food) + (others)].

3) Industrial countries include the 15 EU member states before 2004.

4) Transition countries include Eastern European countries and the countries which had belonged to the former Soviet Union.

5) Developing countries are defined as those other than industrial countries and the countries transferring to a market economy.

by Purpose and Transition of Total Demand in the U.S.

Percentage of Usage of Corn

Source: Prepared by MAFF according to "Feed grain database" (USDA).
• In 2006, the value of agricultural product imports has reached a record high of 5,004.1 billion yen in Japan.

• Japan is the world's biggest net importer of agricultural products. Compared with the agricultural product trade in the major countries, the trade in Japan is characterized by heavy dependence on imported agricultural products. Japan imports agricultural products from specified countries, as demonstrated by the fact that more than 60% of imported agricultural products are from the top five exporting countries, including the U.S. and China.

Value of Agricultural Product Trade in Japan and Major Countries (2004)

Source: Prepared by MAFF according to “FAOSTAT” (FAO) and “Annual Total Export of Agricultural Products” (Department of Agriculture, China).

Notes: 1) The value of trade in the EU does not include that within the member states.

2) The value of trade in fishery products is included in the data obtained from China.

Exporters of Agricultural Products to Japan

Source: “Trade Statistics” (Ministry of Finance Japan)

• In view of the state of agricultural product imports in Japan, which is characterized by the above data, various factors are expected to influence the food supply in Japan because agricultural product imports are easily affected by changes in the crop situation, crop diversion, and climatic damage at the exporting countries.

• In view of the present state of food supply and demand in the world, making efforts to improve domestic agricultural production and attempting to assure stable import of agricultural products are significantly important.

Former Cases of Disturbed Food Supply

Year	Country and region	Crop	Factor	Countermeasures introduced by the Japanese government
1973	U.S.	Soybeans	The price of U.S. soybeans tripled due to the global crop failure in the previous year and export restriction imposed by the U.S.	Prevention of buying up and reluctant selling
Advising to control exports
Suspension of imported soybeans
transactions in the mercantile exchange
1996	Panama Canal	Feed grains	The transportation was limited, resulting from the enhancement of the water line limit following the El Niño-associated lowered water levels	Utilization of stockpile
2005	U.S.	Feed grains	The shipments from the harbor were disturbed by Hurricane Katrina's onslaught	Utilization of stockpiles

Source: Prepared by MAFF

Note: In Japan, the food supply was disturbed by a rice failure due to cool-weather damage in 1993.