Key Facts
• On August 20, JA Zen-Noh Miyagi set rice prepayment at ¥28,000 per 60 kg.
• ‘Hitomebore’ price increased by ¥11,500 compared to last year.
• ‘Sasanishiki’ and ‘Date Masayume’ prices rose to ¥29,300, up ¥12,500 and ¥11,600 respectively.
• Last year, rice shortages led to a ¥5,000 increase in ‘Hitomebore’ prepayment.
• This marks the fourth consecutive year of price increases for ‘Hitomebore.’
• Farmer Fumito Suzuki, managing 42 hectares, expressed surprise at the high prices.
• Suzuki raised concerns about potential consumer avoidance due to high rice prices.
• JA Zen-Noh Miyagi stated the prices aim to ensure sustainable farming and long-term demand.
• Local agricultural cooperatives will use these figures to finalize payments to producers.
Summary
JA Zen-Noh Miyagi announced a significant increase in rice prepayment prices, with ‘Hitomebore’ set at ¥28,000 per 60 kg, up ¥11,500 from last year. Other varieties like ‘Sasanishiki’ and ‘Date Masayume’ also saw notable price hikes. This marks the fourth consecutive year of increases for ‘Hitomebore,’ driven by rising production costs and efforts to sustain farming. However, farmers like Fumito Suzuki expressed concerns about potential consumer pushback due to high prices. JA Zen-Noh Miyagi emphasized that the pricing aims to support sustainable agriculture and secure long-term demand. Local cooperatives will finalize payments based on these benchmarks.
