Emerging Policies and Contradictions in Japan: Pathways to Agroecology within the Framework of a Production-oriented Agricultural Policy

抄録

In May 2021, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries launched the Strategy for Sustainable Food Systems in Japan. The strategy’s goals are similar to those of the Farm-to-Fork Strategy in the European Union (EU). However, while the EU has 2030 as the year of completion, the Japanese goal of 2050 does not appear to be imminent. Here, I explore the context behind this difference compared with European countries. First, Japan has mountainous terrain with narrow plains, and suitable land for agricultural production is in intense competition with urban usage. Consequently, agricultural production must have higher land productivity, and a high-input production system has developed. Since the Agricultural Basic Act was adopted in 1961, improving the efficiency of agricultural production and increasing productivity have been flagship policy goals that are yet to be achieved. Second, traditional consumer-supported agricultural schemes have set high standards for agricultural protection. Direct payments play a less important role in incentivizing farmers to adopt environmentally sustainable practices. Third, the 2050 targets rely on technological progress based on eco-efficiency and input substitution, and not on the redesign of the agricultural system. Techniques and farming practices that result in reduced yields are difficult to accept. The main driving force toward the shift to agroecology is the pressure from international forums.