Abstract
This study presents the visions and practices that would contribute to achieving the goal set in the Strategy for Sustainable Food Systems, which is to increase the area for organic produce to 25% of all cultivated areas in Japan. To achieve this goal, the following four measures need to be incorporated or strengthened: training, research, funding, and markets for organic farming. The role of the newly established Japan Organic Processed Foods Consortium is important in expanding organic production, as its R&D includes production methodologies for organic crops specifically made for processing, which is a big shift from the common belief that processing is a way to utilize ugly vegetables. To support the conversion of farmers to organic production, the consortium has developed a logo to encourage manufacturers to use organic ingredients in conversion. Establishing wholesale markets that specialize in organic produce would accelerate the growth of the organic market by improving logistical efficiency and the affordability of organic produce to the public.
