The Japanese government is preparing to abandon its decades-hold rice production adjustment policy. Thanks to skyrocketing food security issues, such as from this summer’s extreme heat and drought, this new focus is a welcome change. This major policy change will drive Japanese farmers to increase rice production, a key component of the traditional Japanese diet. At the same time, Japan is under extreme environmental pressure which may undercut the foundations of its agriculture.
The present policy has choked rice production for decades. In its place, we’d like to see it swapped out with programs that proactively incentivize farmers to produce less rice. The government recognizes that recent climate-related challenges, including extreme heat and diminishing water resources, pose serious risks to Japan’s food supply. By encouraging increased rice production, government leaders are looking to strengthen the country’s food security and lessen reliance on imported food.
State officials have warned that this intensity of heatwaves and the lack of water are making it too extreme for farmers to manage. These environmental stressors have not only impacted crop yields but have raised concerns about the sustainability of Japan’s agricultural practices. In order to address these issues, the government will roll out new approaches to planting trees. These approaches will help prepare farmers for the increasing severity and frequency of disruptions.
This new approach is a significant departure from decades of policy. For decades, those policies prioritized limiting production to prop up market prices over policies that would promote expanded production. In recent years, the federal government has accepted the reality that we need to adapt to climate change. It is further devoted to keeping food on the table for their citizens.
The government subsidizes and promotes increased rice production. It includes more robust technical assistance and financial support for farmers who implement cutting-edge climate-smart farming techniques. This support will be crucial as farmers navigate the complexities of increased production while managing the effects of climate change.
Yet, today Japan continues to face dire ecological disasters. We believe that this major policy change is a critical step toward ensuring the nation’s food security. The government is literally incentivizing farmers to double rice production. Both by alleviating their immediate impacts and by preparing farmers to thrive despite emerging threats, it is paving the way for a more resilient agricultural sector.