Key Facts
• June 27, 2025: JA Fukui Chairman Miyata criticizes Minister Koizumi’s rice policy changes.
• Koizumi abolished the “crop condition index” and revised the “advance payment system.”
• Advance payment removal could destabilize rice prices, Miyata warns.
• National average price for 5kg of rice dropped below 3,000 yen after stockpiled rice release.
• Miyata fears a return to 2,000-yen levels could force farmers out of business.
• Koizumi claims direct purchases by JA would increase farmer income by removing fees.
• Miyata insists advance payments stabilize prices and protect producers.
• JA Fukui demands policies that address both consumer and producer concerns.
Summary
JA Fukui Chairman Miyata has voiced strong opposition to Minister Koizumi’s recent rice policy reforms, which include abolishing the crop condition index and revising the advance payment system. Miyata argues that these changes could destabilize rice prices, leaving farmers vulnerable. He emphasized the importance of the advance payment system in maintaining price stability and protecting producers. The release of stockpiled rice has already caused the national average price for 5kg of rice to drop below 3,000 yen, raising concerns about a potential return to 2,000-yen levels, which Miyata warns could lead to widespread farm closures. While Koizumi claims that direct purchases by JA would increase farmer income by eliminating fees, Miyata insists that the focus should not solely be on consumers but also on addressing producers’ anxieties. JA Fukui continues to advocate for balanced policies that ensure a stable environment for rice production.
