The Political Landscape: Recent Agricultural Policies and Rice Growers

Abstract

The chapter focuses on the political institutions that make up Japan’s agricultural policymaking framework and the Ministry of Agricuture, Fisheries and Forestry which is at its center. Along with the MAFF, the policies and laws behind rice are examined. The history of Japan’s recent agricultural policies and the relationship between the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Japan’s rural farm lobby is explained. This chapter will also discuss recent reforms targeting support for rice farmers, the rice distribution system and reform of Japan’s most important cooperative, JA Zenchu is the focus of Chapter 4. A detailed and comprehensive overview which situates recent policies regarding agriculture and rice is included here with details regarding the prior system of support for farmers called the gentan and Japan’s commitments to trade agreements.