Key Facts
• June 30, 2025: Minister Koizumi requests abolishment of rice advance payment system.
• The system involves advance payments from JA to farmers for rice sales.
• Koizumi argues direct purchases by JA would eliminate fees, boosting farmer income.
• Akita JA leader Tadaaki Komatsu opposes, citing fees as necessary costs.
• Komatsu suggests fees should be reflected in retail prices, not eliminated.
• Komatsu highlights contradictions in lowering rice prices while raising retail prices.
• July 3, 2025: JA political group endorses former LDP member Shoji Nakazumi.
• Komatsu supports Nakazumi, expecting him to advocate for farmers’ concerns.
• Akita Senate race includes four candidates: Nakazumi, Shizuka Terada, Miwako Sato, Yukihisa Honda.
Summary
Minister of Agriculture Taro Koizumi has proposed abolishing the rice advance payment system, aiming to eliminate commission fees and increase farmers’ income through direct purchases by JA. However, Tadaaki Komatsu, head of JA Akita, opposes the move, arguing that the fees are necessary costs that should be reflected in retail prices. Komatsu also expressed concerns about contradictions in lowering rice prices while raising retail prices. Meanwhile, JA’s political group has endorsed Shoji Nakazumi for the upcoming Senate election, with Komatsu expressing strong support for Nakazumi’s ability to represent farmers’ voices. The Akita Senate race features four candidates, including Nakazumi, Shizuka Terada, Miwako Sato, and Yukihisa Honda.
