Basic Policy and Action Plan for the Revitalization of Japan’s Food, Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries

Provisional Translation The Basic Policy and Action Plan for the Revitalization of Japan’s Food, Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries October 25, 2011 Decision of the Headquarters for the Revitalization of Food, Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Provisional Translation Contents I. Introduction 1 II. The perspective to be pursued and the basic approach 3 1. The perspective to be pursued 2. The basic approach III. Seven strategies for the revitalization of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries Strategy 1: Enhancing competitiveness and soundness 5 – Realizing sustainable and robust agriculture – Strategy 2: Enhancing competitiveness and soundness 8 –The Sixth Industrialization, transformation into growing industries, and a more efficient distribution system– Strategy 3: Promoting the utilization of resources in rural areas for energy production 11 Strategy 4: Revitalizing forests and forestry 12 With the goal of 50% wood self-sufficiency, promoting “Forest and Forestry Revitalization Plan” Strategy 5: Revitalizing fisheries 13 Creating attractive fisheries through modernization and resource management Strategy 6: Constructing earthquake-resistant infrastructures for agriculture, forestry, and fisheries 14 Strategy 7: Taking effective countermeasures against nuclear disasters 16 IV. Important issues to be addressed promptly 18 V. Action Plan (working schedule for coming 5 years) 20 Provisional Translation 1 I. Introduction (1) Japan’s food, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries are under serious circumstances, such as declining incomes, serious shortages of core farmers, and an aging population. Vitality of rural areas is also declining. Enhancing competitiveness and soundness of food, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries is a critical issue to be tackled without delay. At the same time, if Japan’s trade and investment environment becomes worse to that of other countries, it may lead to the loss of employment opportunities in the future. In light of this, the Council to Promote the Revitalization of Food, Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (hereinafter referred to as the “Council”) has carried out intensive discussions with the aim “to promote both high-level EPAs and improvement of Japan’s food self-sufficiency and revitalization of its agriculture industry and rural communities, and also in order to take measures aimed at fostering sustainable and strong agriculture,” as stipulated in the “Basic Policy on Comprehensive Economic Partnerships”(Cabinet decision dated November 9, 2010). (2) Against this background, the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred, causing significant damages to agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. While the earthquake exposed the fragility of modern civilization, the movement of supports for the afflicted region spread throughout Japan and overseas, which reminded us of the value of coexistence with nature and people’s “Kizuna” (the bonds of friendship) and relationships. Since the nuclear disaster has not finished yet, people engaging in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, especially those living in the afflicted region, are filled with enormous anxiety about their agricultural managements or operations. Confidence in Japan’s agricultural, forestry and seafood products has plummeted. In addition, there is deepening concern over the further hollowing out of industry after the Great East Japan Earthquake, which may seriously affect regional economies. (3) On the other hand, the situation immediately after the Great East Japan Earthquake reminded us of the necessity of stable food supplies in the event that food production and distribution are interrupted. Taking this opportunity, people concerned with agriculture, forestry, and fisheries need to reform their mind-set with a view to meeting people’s Provisional Translation 2 expectations for these industries, which are the fundamental building blocks for the life of the people. Bringing domestic and foreign markets into the view, it is necessary to recognize again the originality, advantages, specialties, and specific features of products from Japanese agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, thereby swiftly restoring the“Japan brand.” (4) This Basic Policy, based on the Council’s study to date, summarizes the picture of the revitalization of Japan’s food, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, the direction of nationwide policies, and the Action Plan to put into effect these policies. Based on the Basic Policy, Japan aims to achieve the goals stipulated in the “Basic Plan for Food, Agriculture, and Rural Areas” (Cabinet decision dated March 30, 2010), such as 50% food self-sufficiency on a calorie basis. The picture, as well as the measures to be taken to realize it, will also contribute to East Japan’s recovery. With regard to the afflicted region, it is expected that drastic measures will be taken in the course of reconstruction, taking the Basic Policy into account, which could be good examples for the entire country. (5) By realizing the Basic Policy, the Government of Japan will develop new policies for agriculture, forestry, and fisheries so that farmers, foresters, and fishermen of the next generation will be able to promote the revitalization of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries with peace of mind. Provisional Translation 3 II. The perspective to be pursued and the basic approach 1. The perspective to be pursued (1) While economic globalization continues, various regions and diverse industries coexist. A sustainable prosperous society will be created, where “Kizuna” among people is esteemed and each other’s values are mutually respected. (2) Agriculture, forestry, and fisheries will also become lively and attractive industries for which young people wish to work. Not only the people engaged in these industries but also those inhabiting rural areas will lead active lives with vitality and make their livelihoods without fear. Urban consumers will also be able to obtain daily foods without anxiety about food supply. (3) The necessary policy options will be presented with responsibility by the government, and local people’s decisions that are made by themselves will be respected. (4) Despite shrinking domestic demand, the domestic production base will be maintained through creating new demand and pioneering new markets in Japan and abroad, so that sustainable agriculture, forestry, and fisheries will be realized, which are compatible with high-level economic partnerships with foreign countries. 2. The basic approach (1) Initiatives to rebuild the distinctive features of “deliciousness,” “safety,” and “environmental friendliness” should be promoted; thereby needs-driven agriculture will be materialized. Through the promotion of the Sixth Industrialization (i.e., turning agriculture, forestry, and fisheries into value-added industries by integrating, among others, processing and/or retailing functions with them), while effectively utilizing the resources abundant in rural areas, Japan’s agriculture, forestry, and fisheries will produce more value, generate Provisional Translation 4 additional employment and income, and thus be transformed into further growing industries. (2) Human resources necessary for the Sixth Industrialization and other developments should be secured through smooth business successions. In particular, in field crop agriculture, a large number of farmers are expected to rapidly retire in the next five years due to aging and other factors. Therefore, through consensus formation based on thorough discussions, farming scale should be expanded substantially with the aim of realizing an agricultural structure where management entities with 20– 30 ha farmland in the case of flat land areas and 10–20 ha in the case of hilly and mountainous areas are the majority. In order to achieve this, policy frameworks for core farmers, farmlands, production measures, and relevant organizations should be reviewed and reformed in an integrated manner. (*1) The goal of aforementioned notion is not to exclude farmers smaller than the indicated scales from the policy perspectives. It is important to promote farming scale expansion by presenting policy options while respecting local people’s decisions that are made by themselves. (*2) The aforementioned notion does not change the direction of the “Basic Plan for Food, Agriculture, and Rural Areas” regarding the preparation of environment in which every farmer with eagerness can develop its management; rather, it tends to reinforce the direction. (3) Agriculture, forestry, and fisheries are potentially the growing industries. From the viewpoint of reinforcing strengths and overcoming weaknesses, the entire policies for agriculture, forestry, and fisheries should be reviewed in a positive manner. While learning from other countries the management expertise and techniques of farmers, foresters, and fishermen as well as national policies, a high goal should be set and efforts to attract good human resources should be made. (4) The government should provide a safety net for those who are engaging in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. As the safety net is provided, the multifunctional character of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries will be maintained. Provisional Translation 5 III. Seven strategies for the revitalization of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries • Increasing newcomers to agriculture, thereby securing human resources to maintain Japan’s agriculture in the future •Achieving 20–30 ha per farming unit in field crop agriculture in flat land areas (1) Increasing newcomers to agriculture (i) The aging of the workforce has progressed to the point that the average age of core persons mainly engaging in farming is 66.1 as of 2010. In order to realize sustainable and robust agriculture in such a situation, it is necessary to significantly increase the number of young newcomers to agriculture. Therefore, with a view to raising young people’s eagerness to enter into farming and improving their retention rate, the following measures will be promoted: support for young farmer’s stable business management; encouragement for young people to join agricultural corporations; enhanced education for agricultural business managers with the aim of increasing the number of potential local leaders. Furthermore, for the purpose of actively utilizing women’s capabilities for the vitalization of local agriculture and the Sixth Industrialization, special treatment in agricultural, forestry and fishery projects will be implemented, for example, adopting prioritized quotas for female applicants, and requesting women’s participation at the stage of local project planning, among others. (ii) Corresponding to diverse paths toward the development of agricultural management, such as multiple farming, incorporation, optimization of machinery and technology, and the Sixth Industrialization, a set of indicators will be created in order to evaluate farm owners in an objective manner. These indicators will be utilized for initiatives to support training of good agricultural managers. [Strategy 1] Enhancing competitiveness and soundness Realizing sustainable and robust agriculture Provisional Translation 6 (2) Promoting concentration of farmland Along with the appropriate promotion of the Program for the Direct Payment of Income Support and the shift of cultivated lands into larger blocks, the concentration of farmland will be accelerated through intensive discussions held by a wide range of stakeholders and schemes to encourage transfer of farmland to core farmers at the timing of inheritance, among others, thereby enhancing the competitiveness and soundness of Japan’s agriculture. In the course of discussions held in various communities that include eager stakeholders, in order to smoothly advance the concentration of farmland in each farming entity (individuals, corporations, and/or community-based farming entities) that will play a central role in the region in the future, as well as facilitating the reorganization of scattered farmland areas and ensuring integrated areas for farming, support will be provided for those who cooperate with such initiatives. In addition, the measures in the Agricultural Land Act for resolving unused farmland issues will be thoroughly utilized. Moreover, in order to promote the concentration of farmland further, the transition to larger blocks of cultivated land will be advanced, including the removal of small banks between paddy fields. With the combination of above-mentioned farmland concentration trials and measures such as promoting community-based farming co-operatives, conducted in an appropriate manner according to each locality, agricultural structures in which management entities with the farmland of 20–30 ha in case of flat land areas and 10– 20 ha in case of hilly and mountainous areas are the majority that should be pursued, as stated in “II-2. Basic approach.” Provisional Translation 7 (3) The proper forms of relevant organizations and industries Under the notion that agricultural cooperatives and agricultural committees should play a role exclusively for the development of management skills for farmers: (i) Agricultural cooperatives should contribute to the realization of sustainable and robust agriculture and establish proper management structures that conform to the new environment. In particular, they should drastically enhance their sales power of agricultural products through collaboration and cooperation with food industries, mass retailers, and trading companies, among others. Based on this prerequisite, they should strengthen their business practices through, for example, increasing the volume of purchases from farmers for sales, which will accordingly contribute to improvement of the farmer’s business. In addition, with regard to production materials such as fertilizers, they should try to lower the prices of production materials for domestic supply in collaboration and cooperation with material industries, given a situation in which the price of overseas raw materials is rising. (ii) Agricultural committees should make utmost efforts to thoroughly implement measures in Agricultural Land Act revised in 2009, such as the measure for resolving unused farmland issues, and, after evaluating the progress of implementation, the proper form for committees should be given consideration. (iii) In addition, with regard to production materials, relevant ministries should cooperate to advance technical development as a means of lowering farmers’ production costs, including reductions in the volumes of fertilizer used. The rationalization of the distribution system should also be advanced. Provisional Translation 8 Reconstructing the distinctive features of “deliciousness,” “safety,” and “environmental friendliness” Sustainable development of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries will be achieved when they accord with the needs of consumers in Japan and abroad. In light of this, it is important to promote consumer-oriented management in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, thereby encouraging the change of mind-set of people engaging in those industries. (1) Value addition in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries (i) In order to promote the Sixth Industrialization, wide-ranging knowledge is necessary with respect to the production skills, manufacturing skills, management, and marketing, among others. Therefore, capacity building of experts who can give advice to people engaging in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries (the Sixth Industry Planners) should be enhanced. In addition, combined with supporting measures for the planned initiatives based on the Sixth Industry Act, relevant facilities should be smoothly established. (ii) The structure of a Fund, which will provide capital and implement hands-on management support for the Sixth Industrialization business entities (i.e. farmers, foresters, and fishermen engaging in the processing and selling of agricultural, forestry, and seafood products, sightseeing business, or merchandising activities, among others), will be considered in a concrete manner with the aim of reaching a conclusion within FY 2011. (iii) Efforts for objective evaluation on qualities and/or other elements, such as the application of environment-friendly agriculture, Good Agricultural Practice (GAP), and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), will be expanded. [Strategy 2] Enhancing competitiveness and soundness The Sixth Industrialization, transformation into growing industries, and a more efficient distribution system Provisional Translation 9 (iv) By gathering competences in independent administrative agencies, universities, the private sector, prefectures, and other entities, advanced technologies should be developed, commercialized, and disseminated in a strategic manner for the transformation of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries into growing industries. With regard to dissemination activities, the system for providing technical guidance and support to advanced farmers will be enhanced. In addition, tie-ins with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) policies, such as management support for those SMEs’ efforts of business improvement through partnerships between agriculture, manufacturing, and commerce sectors, will be promoted. (2) Strengthening Kizuna with consumers (i) In order to fully bring out the regional powers, following activities will be promoted: utilization of allotment gardens and green tourism, which has a potential to change the lifestyles of urban residents; introduction of initiatives for corporations and consumers to support agriculture, forestry, and fisheries; promotion of local production for local consumption through school lunches or other public facilities; tie-ins with measures against the damage caused by wildlife; and mutual partnerships between social welfare programs and agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. When promoting the activities mentioned above, especially in hilly and mountainous areas with a rich natural environment, efforts will be made to ensure the participation of people concerned in the activities, so that the community becomes the place for the creation of new value, as well as the place for senior citizens to live in with ease. (ii) Based on the new relationships between supply side and demand side, initiatives contributing to the reconstruction of “Japan brand” will be promoted through activities such as “Festival for Food, Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries” (provisional title) with a wide range of participation, including foreign consumers, stakeholders in industry, and governments. Provisional Translation 10 (3) Rebuilding strategies for the export of Japan’s agricultural, forestry, and seafood products (i) While the necessity of safety assurance for foods has increased due to the nuclear accident, foreign countries’ appreciation for Japan’s agricultural, forestry, and seafood products has become unstable, and thus a loss has been caused due to the introduction of more stringent regulations by those foreign countries. Export strategies, including enhancement of exporting system, will be rebuilt in order to restore confidence in Japan’s agricultural, forestry, and seafood products and foods, thereby recovering from the decline and increasing exports again. (ii) In order to increase credibility in Japan’s high-quality agricultural, forestry, and seafood products and to obtain appropriate evaluations for them, a system for protecting geographical indications will be introduced. (iii) Consideration will be given to seeking to inscribe Japanese Cuisine Culture on the World Heritage List, with the collaboration of relevant ministries, seeking to reach a conclusion in autumn 2011. (4) More efficient distribution system (i) While responding to challenges such as the transformation of agriculture, forestry and fisheries into growing industries and the restructuring of export strategies, “Food Industry Vision of the Future” will be established within FY2011, in which the proper form and future direction of food industries will be set out. Relevant measures will be promoted based on this vision. (ii) The rationalization of the distribution system regarding agricultural cooperatives and industries related to production materials will be promoted as stated in Strategy 1 (3). Provisional Translation 11 Promoting the utilization of resources in rural areas for energy production (1) Rural areas are abundant in energy sources such as land, water, wind, heat, and biomass. In order to create wealthy rural areas, it is important to effectively utilize these local resources, thereby generating new incomes and employments. Moreover, utilizing these resources for supply of renewable energy (energy made from solar power, small-scale hydraulic power, wind power, geothermal power, or biomass) will contribute to the formation of a decentralized energy supply system and the efficient use of national land, among others. (2) Systems to promote locally-led initiatives for renewable energy supply and to facilitate the promotion of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries and the vitalization of rural areas in tandem will be considered in a concrete manner, with the aim of reaching a conclusion within FY2011. Such systems will utilize existing resources in rural areas and ensure appropriate land and resource uses to avoid the loss of rural functions such as food supply and ensure land preservation. (3) In addition, in order to promote the initiatives mentioned above, technological development of renewable energy will be accelerated, and, at the same time, through utilizing support measures for planned initiatives based on Sixth Industrialization Act among others, a model system will be introduced towards the formulation of an independent decentralized energy system (smart village), which is resistant to disasters and highly efficient. [Strategy 3] Provisional Translation 12 With the goal of 50 % wood self-sufficiency, promoting “Forest and Forestry Revitalization Plan” (1) Based on the “Forest and Forestry Basic Plan” (Cabinet Decision, July 26, 2011), which is in line with the “Forest and Forestry Revitalization Plan” (publicized by Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries on December 25, 2009), in order to revitalize forest and forestry by maximum effective use of Japan’s forest resources, and to establish sustainable forest management and a stable domestic timber supply system, following activities will be promoted in a comprehensive manner: the maintenance of diverse forests, well-organized forestry operation and road network improvements, human resource development, and expanded use of wood products. (2) Stable supply of wood will be promoted in order to secure housing materials and other necessary items for rehabilitating disaster victims’ livelihoods. (3) Additionally, the following employment opportunities to supplement income from forestry will be created: local production for local consumption, effective utilization of forest resources abundant in mountainous villages such as the promotion of the utilization of biomass energy, cooperation between cities and mountainous villages, and promotion of special forest products such as mushrooms. [Strategy 4] Revitalizing forests and forestry Provisional Translation 13 Creating attractive fisheries through modernization and resource management (1) By introducing high-performance, energy-efficient and cost-reducing fishing vessels, promoting joint ventures and fleet rationalization, adopting high-level quality control measures, and introducing shared use of vessels, fishery business with high productivity and high profitability will be promoted. Additionally, for aquaculture, collaboration and joint ventures based on their characteristics in management, as well as application of advanced hygiene management and appropriate culture densities, should be promoted. (2) Future generations of active fishermen should be increased and maintained through, among others, matching job seekers with fishing communities and encouraging long-term job training. With the measures for resource management and the Direct Payment for Income Support for Fisheries, effective fishery resource management and stable fishery business responding to oil price increases should be secured. (3) Initiatives taken by fishery cooperatives and others with the aim of restructuring their organization and projects will be encouraged in order to ensure management bases of the fisheries-related organizations, with a view to enabling them to play a supporting role in local fishing industries. (4) Initiatives taken by distributors and processors for stable supply of safe seafood products, such as quality control through HACCP, will be supported. In addition, the initiatives to strengthen local fisheries through Sixth Industrialization, as well as the enhancement of the distribution and processing functions of fishing ports through, for example, adopting high-level quality hygiene control measures at major ports, will be promoted. [Strategy 5] Revitalizing fisheries Provisional Translation 14 Constructing earthquake-resistant infrastructures for agriculture, forestry, and fisheries (1) Reviewing agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and related industries for future earthquakes and tsunamis (i) From the viewpoint of disaster prevention and mitigation, infrastructures should be reviewed throughout the country. In particular, repair and alignment of agricultural irrigation facilities that could be destroyed by an earthquake will be intensively implemented. In addition, rehabilitation and revitalization of coastal disaster prevention forests will be implemented utilizing artificial banks, taking into account their mitigation function against tsunami. With regard to fishing ports, creation of earthquake-resistant wharfs, strengthened seawalls, and evacuation roads will be promoted. (ii) In light of the implementation of this Basic Policy and the lessons learned from the Great East Japan Earthquake, in order to contribute to new policy development corresponding to strengthened agriculture and reconstruction from the earthquake, “Land Improvement Long Term Plan” (Cabinet decision on December 26, 2008) will be reviewed at around the end of FY 2011. (iii) The method of conservation and maintenance of agricultural resources, such as farmland and irrigation water, as well as land improvement facilities, will be reviewed in order that the service life of the facilities can be extended. In addition, a trans-regional conservation system that supports communities will be established in order to smoothly conduct the aforementioned activities, through utilization of non-profit organizations (NPOs) among others. [Strategy 6] Provisional Translation 15 (2) Measures to ensure stable food supply chain and feed supply for disasters In order to establish a food supply system which enables stable supply of rice and fresh foods among others in the event of a disaster, consultation and collaboration among people concerned will be encouraged. In addition, for the purpose of stable supply of feed for livestock farmers, collaboration will be encouraged in and between local communities, and an appropriate level of cereal stocks will be secured. (3) Reviewing the Food Security Manual In light of the lessons learned from recent earthquakes and nuclear accidents, various risk factors affecting stable food supply will be verified swiftly. Based on the results of this verification, “Food Security Manual for Emergencies” (decided by Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries on March 25, 2002) will be reviewed. Provisional Translation 16 Taking effective countermeasures against nuclear disasters The recent nuclear disasters following the earthquakes and tsunamis are among the worst in the world. Damages to Japan’s agricultural, forestry, and seafood products are still expanding, so that people’s confidence in them is enormously damaged. Having sympathy for farmers, foresters, and fishermen suffering from the damages, the government will straightforwardly deal with nuclear disasters. The countermeasures against nuclear disasters include the following, although the list is not exhaustive. (1) In order to prevent the distribution of foods contaminated by radioactivity exceeding the provisional regulation level under the Food Sanitation Act, the surveillance system of radioactive materials will be strengthened, and under the strengthened system, surveys will be steadily conducted on the level of radioactive materials contained in domestic agricultural, forestry, and seafood products. In addition, surveys will be also conducted for farmland soil, materials for agricultural production, forests, and ocean regions, among others. Furthermore, based on the “Basic Policy for Emergency Response on Decontamination Work” (Decision by the Nuclear Emergency Response Headquarters on August 26, 2011) among others, the Government of Japan, in coordination with prefectures, municipalities, and local residents, will implement measures for the reduction of radioactive materials in farmland soil and forests, as well as measures for preventing the dissemination of radioactive materials. Necessary measures will be also taken by the Government with regard to the decontamination work implemented by local governments. (2) In order to enable farmers to work without anxiety, appropriate information and technical guidance will be provided for livestock farmers and field crop farmers on site. In addition, when farmers wish so, farmers’ relocation to specific areas with future prospects, as well as provision of training for them, will be supported. [Strategy 7] Provisional Translation 17 (3) In order to appropriately communicate with consumers, the results of surveys on radioactive materials will be disseminated swiftly. (4) As the Nuclear Damage Liability Facilitation Fund and the Dispute Settlement Center on Nuclear Damage Liability were established, compensation for farmers, foresters, fishermen and business operators in the food industry afflicted by the nuclear accident should be implemented swiftly and appropriately by Tokyo Electric Power Company. The Government of Japan will take all possible measures towards that end. Provisional Translation 18 IV. Important issues to be addressed promptly (1) In the course of the revitalization of Japan’s food, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, the reconstruction of these industries in East Japan, as well as the restoration of the credibility of Japan’s agricultural, forestry, and seafood products, must be tackled in a steadfast manner. The Basic Policy contains Strategy 6 (constructing earthquake-resistant infrastructures for agriculture, forestry, and fisheries) and Strategy 7 (taking effective countermeasures against nuclear disasters). Accordingly, it is necessary to take all possible measures against earthquake disasters in agricultural, forestry, and fishery sectors. In implementing the measures, which could be model cases for future national policies, in the afflicted areas, it is necessary to bear in mind the geographical and other specific conditions, as well as the characteristics of local agriculture, forestry, and fisheries carried on so far. (2) The Basic Policy summarizes measures that should be considered for enhancing the competitiveness and soundness of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries nationally, based on the issues derived from the Council’s consideration before earthquake, while adding post-earthquake issues such as Strategy 6 and Strategy 7. The Government of Japan will work intensively over the next five years for the enhancement of the competitiveness and soundness of Japan’s food, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries and for the promotion of regional economies, and thus for the realization of an early revitalization of them. Therefore, for the time being, resources must be intensively allocated for measures related to the aforementioned objectives. (3) In order to put these measures into effect, the attached Action Plan has been formulated for each of the seven respective strategies. (4) In order to realize a situation where high-level economic partnerships are compatible with the revitalization of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, as well as the improvement of food self-sufficiency, it is indispensable to resolve issues specified in the Basic Policy, and to secure the understanding of the people as well as stable financial resources in addition. Consideration will thus be made in a concrete manner on issues such as the shift of burdens from consumers to taxpayers, reforming direct Provisional Translation 19 payment schemes, and formation of benefit distribution mechanism accrued from opening up of the country. In addition, in order to avoid various deep confrontations of opinions and to enable people to discuss rationally, necessary information will be disclosed to the public. Based on the aforementioned viewpoints, concrete measures will be considered for each economic partnership after public discussion. Strategy １ Enhancing competitiveness and soundness ‐ Realizing sustainable and robust agriculture ‐ Action Plan（working schedule for coming 5 years） Support for young farmer’s stable business management, Encouragement for young people to join farming corporations Establishment of indicators evaluating Enhancing education for agricultural business managers farming management Adoption of prioritized quotas for female applicants in an objective manner (FY2011‐2012) for agricultural, forestry and fishery projects Appropriate promotion of the Direct Payment of Income Support Concentration of farmland through intensive discussions in community Promoting the transition to larger blocks of cultivated land, including through the removal of small banks between paddy fields and facilitating the integration of scattered farmland Promoting drastic enhancement of selling power of agricultural cooperatives Thorough utilization of revised Agricultural Land Act by the agricultural committee Technical development and rationalization of distribution systems to contribute to low‐cost production Strategy 2 Enhancing competitiveness and soundness ‐ Sixth Industrialization, transformation into growing industries, and a more efficient distribution system ‐ Strategy Action Plan (FY2011 – 2016)  Realization of field crop agriculture with a 20‐30 ha unit under management  Ensuring human resources for maintaining Japan’s agriculture in the future by increasing newcomers to agriculture Concrete examination and conclusion Promotion of Sixth Industrialization of fund formation (FY 2011) (capacity building of planners, support through a fund) Promotion of environmentally‐friendly agriculture, Enhancement of the technical support structure GAP, and HACCP for advanced farmers, foresters and Promotion of development, practical application, fishermen in dissemination projects (FY 2012) and dissemination of advanced technologies Utilization of allotment garden and green tourism Local production for local consumption (in conjunction with countermeasures against damages caused by wildlife), promotion of mutual collaboration with social welfare projects Promotion of initiatives contributing to the reconstruction of “Japan Brand” Formation of an export strategy (FY2011) Enhanced structure for restoring the credibility of Proposal to inscribe Japanese Japanese agricultural, forestry, and seafood products Cuisine Culture as World Heritage (FY2011) Introduction of a system for protecting geographical indications Formation of a “Food Industry Vision of the Future” (FY2011) Policy promotion based on the “Food Industry Vision of the Future” Note: Implementation years are in parenthesis. 2 0  Expansion of the market size of Sixth Industrialized agriculture, forestry , and fisheries  Establishment of the technical and business support structure for farmers, foresters and fishermen and others (e.g. Enhancement and expansion of advisors for Sixth Industrialization) Strategy 2 1 Strategy 3 Promoting the utilization of resources in rural areas for energy production Consideration and conclusion Promotion of locally‐led initiatives of the system for promoting to encourage supply of renewable energy renewable energy production in rural areas  Promotion of renewable energy production in rural areas Note: Implementation years are in parenthesis. Action Plan (FY2011 – 2016) Promotion of forest maintenance, well‐organized forestry operation, and road‐network improvement Promotion of human‐resource development, expanded use of wood products, and utilization of wood biomass for energy production  Promotion of the “Forest and Forestry Basic Plan” toward the achievement of the goal of 50% wood self‐sufficiency Strategy 4 Revitalizing forests and forestry Strategy 5 Revitalizing fisheries Review of the “Fisheries Basic Plan” and “Long‐term plan for establishing fishing ports and fishing grounds” (FY2011) Promotion of the introduction of high‐performance fishing vessels, rationalization of the fleet, and cooperation and coordination of fishery operations Implementation of measures for resource management and income support Promotion of matching jobseekers with fishing communities and implementation of long‐term job training Promotion of fishery cooperatives’ autonomous organizational restructuring Enhancement of the distributing/processing functions of fishing ports and strengthened local fisheries through Sixth Industrialization  Promotion of fishery business with high productivity and high profitability  Creation of attractive fisheries through modernization and resource management Strategy 6 Constructing earthquake‐ resistant infrastructures for agriculture, forestry, and fisheries  Agricultural, forest, and fishery infrastructures with disaster resilience and mitigation  Establishment of stable supply systems for food and feed Review of the “Land Improvement Agricultural/fishing port infrastructures with earthquake resilience Long‐term Plan” (FY2011) Early restoration of seawalls, preparation of evacuation roads, and rehabilitation of coastal disaster prevention forests Smooth implementation of preservation of infrastructures with the extended service life Verification of the elements Review of the Promotion of measures causing instability in food supply, “Food Security Manual” for food supply chain such as earthquake/nuclear accident based on verification Promotion of measures (FY2011) (FY2012) for stable feed supply Strategy 7 Taking effective countermeasures against nuclear disasters Survey of the concentration degree of the nuclear materials in domestic agricultural, forestry, and fishery products; farmland; production materials (e.g. fertilizers, feed); forests; and sea areas Appropriate provision of information and technical guidance for livestock farmers and field crop farmers Establishment of decontamination techniques (FY 2011) Implementation of measures for reducing radioactive materials in farmland and forests The Government taking all possible measures for ensuring swift and appropriate compensation by Tokyo Electric Power Company for farmers, foresters, fishermen, and business operators in the food industry afflicted by the nuclear accident  Enhancement of the surveillance system and promotion of initiatives for decontamination  Sufficient provision of information and technical guidance Provisional Translation 20 (Reference Materials) ○ Establishment of the Headquarters for the Revitalization of Food, Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (Cabinet Decision, November 30, 2010) ○ On convening the Council to Promote the Revitalization of Food, Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (Decision by the Headquarters for the Revitalization of Food, Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, November 30, 2010) ○ Members of the Council to Promote the Revitalization of Food, Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries ○ Course of deliberations 22 Provisional Translation 21 Establishment of the Headquarters for the Revitalization of Food, Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries November 26, 2010 Cabinet Decision 1. The Headquarters for the Revitalization of Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (hereinafter referred to as the “Headquarters”) shall be established in order to take measures that will promote both high-level economic partnerships and improvement of Japan’s food self-sufficiency and revitalization of its agriculture industry and rural communities and foster sustainable and strong agriculture. 2. The Headquarters shall comprise the following members. However, the Chair may, when necessary, request the attendance of relevant persons. Chair: Prime Minister Vice-chairs: Minister for National Policy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Members: All other Ministers of State 3. The Headquarters, when necessary, may convene the council consisted of the most relevant members of the Headquarters, experts, and others. 4. The administrative affairs of the Headquarters shall be handled by the Cabinet Secretariat with the cooperation of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. 5. The chair shall decide other necessary matters related to the management of the Headquarters. 6. The Headquarters for the Promotion of Policies for Food, Agriculture and Rural Areas (Cabinet Decision dated March 24th, 2000) shall be abolished, and the function of which shall be taken over by the Headquarters. 23 Provisional Translation 22 On convening the Council to Promote the Revitalization of Food, Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries November 30, 2010 The Decision by the Headquarters for the Revitalization of Food, Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries 1. The Council to Promote the Revitalization of Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (hereinafter referred to as the “Council”) shall be convened in order to consider and promote measures that will promote both high-level economic partnerships and improvement of Japan’s food self-sufficiency and revitalization of its agriculture industry and rural communities and foster sustainable and strong agriculture, by mobilizing the competences of both public and private sectors. 2. The Council shall comprise the following members. However, the Chair may, when necessary, add members or request the attendance of relevant persons. Chair: Prime Minister Vice-chairs: Minister for National Policy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Members: Chief Cabinet Secretary, Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications, Minister of Finance, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, and experts and other persons designated by the Prime Minister 3. The Council’s general affairs shall be handled in the Cabinet Secretariat, with the cooperation of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. 4. The Chair shall decide other necessary matters related to the Council’s management. 24 Provisional Translation 23 Members of the Council to Promote the Revitalization of Food, Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Chair: Prime Minister Vice-chairs: Minister for National Policy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Members: Chief Cabinet Secretary Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Minister of Finance Minister for Foreign Affairs Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Kazunuki OHIZUMI Dean, School of Project Design, Miyagi University Tokiko KATO Singer, former United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) goodwill ambassador Heita KAWAKATSU Governor of Shizuoka Prefecture Eizo KOBAYASHI Chairman, Itochu Corp. Ritsuko SAGARA Chair, Ibaraki Women Agriculturalists Association Shinichi SHOGENJI Professor, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University Akira BANZAI President, Central Union of Agricultural Co-operatives Yukiko FUKAGAWA Professor, Faculty of Political Science and Economics, Waseda University Toshihiro BUTTA President, Butta Agricultural Products Corp. Akio MIMURA Chairman, Nippon Steel Corp. Noritoshi MURATA President, Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd. 25 Provisional Translation 24 Course of deliberations 2010 November 9: Basic Policy on Comprehensive Economic Partnerships (Cabinet Decision) November 26: Establishment of the Headquarters for the Revitalization of Food, Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (Cabinet Decision) November 30: First meeting of the Headquarters 1. On convening the Council to Promote the Revitalization of Food, Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries 2. Regarding the scheduling November 30: First meeting of the Council 1. Regarding the Council’s management procedures 2. Regarding the Council’s board of governors 3. Regarding major points of discussion 4. Regarding scheduling for future consideration 2011 January 21 Second meeting of the Council Regarding what agricultural reform should be introduced to achieve sustainable management (in particular, consideration for enhancing competitiveness in field crop agriculture such as rice-paddy agriculture) February 25 Third meeting of the Council 1. Overview of discussion points for the March interim report, and how to proceed henceforth 2. Consideration for enhancing the competitiveness of field crop agriculture 3. Consideration for reforming the food supply and distribution systems, and transformation into growing industries/Sixth Industry 26 Provisional Translation 25 June 10 Fourth meeting of the Council The situation of agriculture, forestry and fisheries after the Great East Japan Earthquake and the measures for recovery and reconstruction July 12 Fifth meeting of the Council Consideration for making an interim report for the revitalization of food, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries August 2 Sixth meeting of the Council Regarding the Interim Report for the Revitalization of Food, Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries October 20 Seventh meeting of the Council Regarding a draft of the Basic Policy and Action Plan for the Revitalization of Japan’s Food, Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries October 25 Second meeting of the Headquarters The Basic Policy and Action Plan for the Revitalization of Japan’s Food, Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (Cabinet Decision) 27