Japan News Update #20 (18-31 Jan, 2022)
Stay updated on the latest agricultural news in Japan, that we publish every two weeks.
by Yuki Sano
Sustainable agriculture from marine to apparel
Farmers in Japan are working to reduce their environmental impact by using data and information technology to improve efficiency to achieve sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, in its food strategy formulated last year, the government has set a target of reducing chemical pesticides by 50% and chemical fertilisers by 30% by 2050. Therefore, it is necessary to raise consciousness among farmers and the entire local community to achieve sustainable agriculture.
Source: Farmers in Japan striving for sustainable agriculture
In Japan, the insect farming industry is flourishing, as in the case of Gryllus Inc, a startup company from Tokushima University. However, safety and hygiene regulations have yet to be introduced in the insect farming industry. A working group of the Council for Public-Private Partnership on Food Technology, set up in 2020 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), plans to start looking into regulations.
Source: Insect farming is booming amid demand for more sustainable food
The Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) pursues the SDGs for the sustainability of our oceans. JAMSTEC promotes the commercialisation of scientific research with startup companies and local authorities. One example is FishTech applying an artificial intelligence model developed by JAMSTEC and Kyoto University. It predicts the best fishing grounds for fishers and is more accurate than traditional methods.
Source: How Japan Is Promoting Ocean Sustainability Through Science And Startups
In November 2021, under-reporting of catches was revealed, especially regarding Oma-brand bluefin tuna. To prevent the overfishing of bluefin tuna, fishery operators must report their actual catches under a separate catch quota set by Japan's Fisheries Agency. However, over 10 tons of its tuna, caught off Aomori Prefecture, had been shipped outside the northeastern region without being reported.
Source: Japan's bluefin tuna management marred by underreporting of catches
Oil refiner, Eneos Holdings, Inc. and Honda Motor Co. will work together with more than 35 Japanese companies to explore the potential of microalgae as an alternative to fossil fuels. Singapore-based Chitose Bio Evolution Pte will build the facility, a five-hectare test farm, in Borneo, Malaysia.
Source: Algae market potentially worth $320 billion attracts Honda and Eneos
A Japanese apparel brand, BEAMS, has launched its first collaborative project with MAFF, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. BEAMS will sell agricultural wear and start direct sales of vegetables in their outlets. The project aims to tackle the problems of a lack of successors and a decline in interest in farming.
ICT innovation in agricultural production
Toyota Ventures supports seed extension to Agtonomy to turn tractors into autonomous vehicles. Agtonomy, a startup company offering hybrid autonomy and remote assistance services, turns tractors into autonomous machines and provides local farms with a low-cost, technology-enabled workforce to manage such equipment.
Source: Toyota Ventures backs seed extension into Agtonomy, turning tractors into autonomous vehicles
The city of Fukuroi in Shizuoka Prefecture, which has a strong agricultural and manufacturing sector, has focused on promoting ICT-based smart agriculture for crown melons. Melon turnover has fallen from 11.5 billion yen in 1991 to 3.2 billion yen. Using data and techniques that have been handed down through generations, Artificial Intelligence (AI) automatically maintains the optimum growing environment and supports inexperienced growers.
Source: Easy to cultivate melons with ICT
Ongoing potato shortage
McDonald’s has restricted sales of french fries due to a disruption of potato imports to Japan from Canada, the United States and Europe. However, some competitors do not face a supply shortage and sell doubled-size portions as they source their potatoes from Hokkaido.
Source: Japan's 'potato war': Competitors look to strike amid McDonald's french fry woes, Delay in importing french fries puts a crunch on Japan restaurant chains
Agricultural export from Japan
Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) focuses on the export promotion of farm produce and food products. It provided 4,000 cases of assistance and contributed to signing export contracts totalling 29.4 billion yen for the 2021 fiscal year. JETRO's executive vice president said it is essential to help raise farmers' income through boosting exports.
Source: Japan External Trade Organization executive vice president says exports key to boost farmers’ income