Development Factors and Problems of Well-established Production Center of Sake-brewing Rice: The Case of Hyogomirai Agricultural Cooperative

Abstract

Recently, the production and distribution situation of sake-brewing rice has been changing due to the trend toward quality-oriented sake-brewing and the liberalization of rice distribution. In this study, we first explain the actual situation of sake-brewing rice production and distribution. We then focus on the conventional systematic distribution by the federation of agricultural cooperatives and increase in other commercial distributions. Second, we introduce the case of well-established production center in Miki City, Hyogo Prefecture. In this case, farmers produce Yamada-Nishiki, the most popular sake-brewing rice, supported by Hyogomirai Agricultural Cooperative. Based on this case, we discuss development factors of the production center from the viewpoint of the cooperative’s contribution. Finally, we clarify challenges of the production center and its cooperatives for continuous development. We then suggest the importance of stabilizing the center’s production and distribution.