Structural change and development of the large-scale paddy farming in its advanced areas of rice-paddy agriculture

A case study on large-scale tenant farming and community farming of Nyuzen-town, Toyama-prefecture

Abstract

Toyama Prefecture in the Hokuriku area of Japan is one of the most advanced areas in the country for structural reform of rice-paddy agriculture; recent developments in Nyuzen Town have been particularly significant. Here, using agricultural census data and interviews with key stakeholders, we examined how such structural changes have taken place. We found that large-scale tenant farming and community farming are now the predominant types of farming in Nyuzen Town, and that the establishment of new vegetable farms has improved the employment rate. Thus, conditions favorable for advanced rice-paddy farming are being established in Toyama Prefecture.