Key Facts
• August 20, 2025: JA leader Hori Katsuhiko met Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in Tokyo.
• Meeting initiated by a June 30 TV broadcast where Hori criticized agricultural reforms.
• Hori, 83, urged Koizumi to preserve agricultural cooperatives, citing their community contributions.
• Koizumi emphasized farmers’ choice in selecting service providers, cooperative or otherwise.
• Discussion topics included rice price impacts and pest control measures.
• Koizumi assured no impact on new rice prices despite extended stockpile sales.
• Government to subsidize pest control efforts amid rising stink bug infestations.
• Hori noted gaps in communication about government support for pest control.
• The meeting extended to 30 minutes, surpassing the planned 20 minutes.
• Hori acknowledged Koizumi’s sincerity but noted some disagreements.
Summary
On August 20, 2025, JA leader Hori Katsuhiko met with Minister Shinjiro Koizumi following a June 30 TV broadcast that sparked the dialogue. Hori appealed to preserve agricultural cooperatives, highlighting their role in community support. Koizumi clarified that farmers should decide whether to rely on cooperatives or other service providers. Key topics included rice price stability and pest control measures, with Koizumi assuring no impact on new rice prices and announcing government subsidies for pest control. Despite communication gaps, Hori appreciated Koizumi’s sincerity, though some disagreements remained. The meeting, initially planned for 20 minutes, lasted 30 minutes, reflecting the intensity of the discussion.
