Key Facts
• June 5, 2025: Government held first ministerial meeting on rice supply stability.
• Rice prices have doubled compared to the previous year.
• Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba aims to revise rice production adjustments.
• Concerns raised over potential price drops if production increases.
• Decision on farmer income support policy expected by June 2026.
• Minister Shinjiro Koizumi emphasized creating safety nets for farmers.
• Meeting discussed government rice stock sales and annual production data.
• Komeito leader Tetsuo Saito called for revising production adjustments.
• Saito stressed the need for sufficient production and political consensus.
Summary
The Japanese government convened a ministerial meeting on June 5, 2025, to address rising rice prices, which have doubled compared to the previous year. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed intent to revise rice production adjustments, a policy akin to reducing production, while highlighting concerns over potential price declines if production increases. The government plans to finalize a policy on farmer income support by June 2026. Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi emphasized the importance of creating safety nets to protect farmers from price volatility. Discussions included government rice stock sales, production data, and future strategies. Komeito leader Tetsuo Saito advocated for revising production adjustments to ensure sufficient supply and called for political collaboration to achieve consensus. The meeting underscores the government’s commitment to stabilizing rice supply and prices while supporting farmers.
