The Aid Association of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Organization Employees （Nourin Nenkin） and Agricultural Cooperatives in Japan

: A Human Resource Management Perspective

Abstract

This study analyzes the relationship between the Mutual Aid Association of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Organization Employees （Nourin Nenkin） and human resource management in an agricultural cooperative in Japan. After World War II, many employees left agricultural cooperatives, and full pension benefits were implemented in part to reduce high turnover rates. Agricultural cooperatives petitioned for the establishment of Nourin Nenkin. They were closely supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, which had strong long―term ties with cooperatives, even though many outside the industry were concerned that the establishment of Nourin Nenkin might lead to the segmentation of public pensions. This study demonstrates several key findings. First, employee turnover rates in agricultural cooperatives are indeed lower than in other industries. Second, Nourin Nenkin has provided few benefits because the cooperatives have low wages and contributions, while employee turnover rates continue to be high. Third, the cooperatives may have dismissed young female employees owing to the increased insurance rates for Nourin Nenkin. Finally, Nourin Nenkin has disrupted the restructuring of agricultural cooperatives since the 1990s.