## To explain the importance of improving the food self-sufficiency ratio and food supply capability, promoting the WTO, EPA and FTA negotiations, and securing the stable supply of safe food

• Explanations are given regarding the meaning of the food self-sufficiency ratio and the background circumstances and factors behind its decline, as well as the risk of heavy reliance on imported food. The meals that can be supplied by domestic production alone with maximum calorie efficiency are indicated. It is pointed out that promoting the improvement in the food self-sufficiency ratio will lead to the enhancement of the food supply capability (self-sufficiency capability).

• To improve the food self-sufficiency ratio, from the consumption view, it is important to encourage people to adopt well-balanced “Japanese dietary pattern,” featuring rice by promoting “Shokuiku” and promote domestic agricultural product consumption. It is also important, in terms of production, to realize agricultural production that meets the requirements of consumers, and improve the feed self-sufficiency ratio.

• Practicing “Japanese dietary pattern” is expected to contribute to reduce excessive fat intake and health maintenance, while the increase in consumption of domestic agricultural products promotes local agriculture and contributes to the reduction of global warming.

• It is explained how tariffs play a very important role in sustaining and developing agriculture in Japan. The Japanese policies with regard to the WTO, EPA and FTA negotiations are clarified.

• It is pointed out that the interaction between the agricultural, environmental and medical sectors will become more active in the future. The close collaboration among related organizations is therefore important.

## To explain the government measures designed to foster and secure principal farmers, trends of agricultural ventures, and actions taken to increase domestic biofuel production and promote agricultural exports

• While showing example cases in which new engaged in farming became principal farmers, it is explained how important it is to provide detailed support to them until they can fully establish themselves as farmers, to increase the number of young people becoming principal farmers.

• As the new “Direct Payment for Land-extensive Farming” is to be applied to the crops produced in FY (Fiscal Year: from April to March next year) 2007, various actions are being taken to foster and secure certified farmers and develop organized rural community farming. Upscaling agricultural production through organizing village farming collectives are expected to increase income for farmers.

- It is necessary to fairly evaluate the roles of female farmers and further promote their participation in agriculture.

• With regard to training and technical internship programs for foreign people, there is a need for the government to establish a system to accept foreign trainees that reflects the current conditions of Japanese agriculture, and for organizations accepting such trainees to understand and appropriately operate the programs.

• The increased production of domestic biofuel and the promotion of export of agricultural products contribute to development of new fields of agriculture.

## To explain the trends of rural areas and actions taken to conserve and utilize rural resources, as well as the importance of using human resources and knowledge concentrated in cities for revitalizing rural areas

• The united efforts of the community, as well as the support from and the collaboration of central and local governments and other organizations, are necessary to reduce damage caused by animals.

• The importance of strengthening the linkage between the food industry and agriculture is pointed out, showing that the economic effects of such linkage are greater in provincial areas where food, agricultural and fisheries industries are more active.

• There is a need to deepen understanding of the multifunctionality of agriculture, forestry and fisheries.

• A variety of actors are expected to participate in the “Measures to Conserve and Improve Land, Water and Environment,” which is to be introduced in FY2007, and perform a wide range of activities.

• In addition to the production of agricultural products, urban agriculture has many other roles such as providing an opportunity to experience agriculture.

• The adoption of effective management techniques and new ideas from external sources to farm management is important to improve farm household economy and strengthen agricultural physique.