Before setting the purchase price, the Minister consulted with the Rice Price Council and submitted an estimate, which the council supported. The government purchases rice from producers who have implemented production adjustments or from entities to which these producers have consigned the sale of their rice.
Rice purchased by the government is stockpiled to ensure stability of price, supply and demand.
Emergency Measures Regarding Vegetable Supplies Released On November 11, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries announced emergency measures regarding vegetable supplies. Serious problems regarding vegetable production around the nation have emerged due to damage from irregular weather, including torrential and prolonged rain, typhoons and shorter daylight hours than usual. This has led to extraordinarily expensive prices of some vegetables. Since it is necessary to secure a steady supply of vegetables as well as stabilize prices, MAFF will implement measures to achieve an appropriate level of shipment of vegetables by promoting faster production and frontloading the shipment of some vegetables by producing organizations. The following is a summary of the measures that will be taken.