Abstract
This paper aims to clarify the effects of changes in Direct Payments for Hilly and Mountainous Areas (DPHMA) on farmer organizations in target areas. DPHMA began in 2000 and has changed every 5 years. This study recognizes 3 dimensions of change in DPHMA. The first dimension is “enlargement,” the second, “thinking strategically,” and the third, “strengthening cooperation.” Farmer organizations have adapted to these changes.
Enlargement of each farmer organization’s farming area was observed by analyzing the data statistically; small farmer organizations preferred to unite and thus become bigger.
In the case of the F district in Shimane prefecture, two villages established one farmer organization as an extension of a farmer cooperation program in 2010. Their future master plan includes securing, developing, and make good use of human resources. It is notable that some farming lands that were about to be abandoned found a new lease of life.
