Japan News Update #38 (4-17 Oct, 2022)
Stay updated on the latest agricultural news in Japan, that we publish every two weeks.
by Yuki Sano
Weaker Yen Impact on Fertilizer, Feed and Food Export
Japanese livestock farmers are looking to domestic feed as a substitute for conventional formula feed, which depends on imports. Due to skyrocketing grain costs caused by the Ukraine crisis and a weaker yen, the National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations, or Zen-Noh, boosted feed prices by a record margin this summer. Zen-Noh, which has a feed market share of around 30% in Japan, has initiated efforts to expand sales of formula feed products, including rice for use in feed. In addition, the government has recommended producing rice for animal feed and rice flour to replace staple rice, for which demand is declining.
Source: Japan food industry eyes rice flour as wheat prices surge, Amid price spikes, Japanese farmers look to domestic feed
To tackle the fertilizer shortage sustainably and cost-effectively, the Japanese government is exploring using sewage sludge as fertilizer. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has allocated ¥31 million in its budget request for fiscal 2023 to help expand the use of sewage sludge fertilizers. Fertilizers derived from sewage sludge are inexpensive, for example, ¥2 ($0.01) per kilogram in Saga city.
Source: Japan keen to use sewage sludge as fertilizer
Prompted by the yen’s steep drop to a 24-year low this year, the Japanese central and prefectural government is revving their export ambitions up with subsidies, such as "wagyu" beef, green tea, premium fruits and vegetables. For example, in Miyazaki Prefecture, local cattle producers and processors are to construct a halal-certified meat processing plant, subsidized through a government program to promote meat exports. The plant aims to increase markets in Islamic nations such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. However, export-oriented farmers in Japan say the sector will require more investment to enhance efficiency and create higher-value items, particularly now that the weak yen has become a double-edged sword that raises costs. On Oct. 6, the so-called “Wagyu Olympics” were held in Kagoshima Prefecture. This five day event is held every five years, and was expected to attract over 400,000 visitors, seeking to find out firsthand which cattle and variety of beef will be crowned best in Japan. Around 440 head of cattle from 41 prefectures competed in nine categories based on characteristics such as the animals’ age and gender.
Source: Halal meat processing plant slated for Miyazaki Pref., What Japan's iconic beef can teach us about 'soft power, Japan targets farm export gains to blunt weak yen’s pain; What Japan’s iconic beef can teach us about ‘soft power’ | The Japan Times
Alternative Proteins
Gryllus Inc., a startup with origins at Tokushima University, released "C. Tria Corn Snacks," a new snack with edible cricket powder, at all FamilyMart Co. convenience stores in Tokushima Prefecture, located on the island of Shikoku. It is sold at 98 yen ($0,68), including tax, per 10-gram bag. The firm has already sold cookies and protein bars on a limited basis in Tokyo and Hokkaido.
Source: Snacks featuring crickets for sale at convenience store in Japan
NH Foods, an Osaka-based food manufacturer, has succeeded in producing lab-grown meat without the need for an animal blood serum. Animal serums are pricey and difficult to source reliably, providing a significant challenge for companies working to commercialize lab-grown meat. The firm grew a piece of chicken for one-twentieth the price of using the animal serum.
Source: Lab-grown meat: Japan's NH Foods finds way to cut production costs
Agricultural Damage
Stink bugs, which feed on plant juice, can cause significant agricultural damage, and they are surging in Japan. By August, 24 of the country's 47 prefectures had issued warnings for fruit tree stink bugs, 18 for rice stink bugs, and seven for both. Global warming is most likely to blame for the insect population explosion.
Source: FEATURE: Japan's farmers struggle with mass generation of stink bugs
Japanese Food Firms’ Trends
Cargill, Unitec Foods, and Fuji Nihon Seito Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen partnerships in innovation and go-to-market for food ingredients solutions in Japan and the Asia Pacific region. Cargill has collaborated with Unitec Foods since 1972 to grow its pectin business in the Japanese market. Unitec Foods is an exclusively owned subsidiary of Fuji Nihon Seito Corporation.
The average sodium intake for people in Japan exceeds the government's target level. To help people reduce their salt consumption, Kirin Holdings and Meiji University developed a bowl and spoon that alter the chemistry of food, making it taste saltier than it is. In addition, Ajinomoto has created soup-stock powders with up to 60 per cent less salt.
Source: New products reduce salt intake while maintaining flavor
Food Safety and Zero Hunger Efforts in Japan
World Food Day is celebrated on 16 October. PM Kishida plans to expand food assistance programs for needy children as part of a comprehensive economic package to be put together. He also said the government would develop programs to assist food banks. As a private sector effort, Bayer HD donates to Good Neighbors Japan, a Japanese NPO, to support food safety and children's health in poor single-parent families.
Source: Japan's prime minister plans to expand food aid programs for needy children, Bayer supports food aid for poor households collaborating with a Japanese NPO
On 17 November, Japan Food Safety Management Association (JFSM) will organize a hybrid dialogue event on food safety management using the JFS standard, a certification for food enterprises established and administered by the association. In addition, there will be talks on the food safety culture and social responsibility expected of Japanese food enterprises.
Source: Food safety event on Food safety certification from Japan will be held