2015 Volume 46 Issue 2 Pages 20-31
In Kansai district of Japan, farmers practice a variety of environmentally friendly farming methods, including organic or natural farming and the decreased use of chemical pesticides and chemical fertilizers. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan and local governments in Kansai district provide multiple assistance measures for them. This study found that the measures could be classified into four types: “locally limited menu type,” which is linked to direct payment grant; “tax reduction for environmentally friendly farming type;” “human resource development for environmentally friendly farming type;” and “integrated promotion of the distribution mechanism with stakeholders type.” It was clarified that each assistance measure is designed on the basis of the characteristics of each locality and produces consistent results for environmental conservation of local agriculture and revitalization. Further work is needed to clarify publicity and education campaigns aimed at realizing the spread of environmentally friendly farming without depending on financial merit.
