In JTPP Helpdesk's 3rd Thematic Report we look further into the latest developments on Japan's Agri-food sector in relation to Public Procurement. The sector enjoys generous government support in terms of income-subsidies, in order to maintain the country's food security. Despite these efforts, food-self-sufficiency rates have continued to drop, as well as the value of Japan's agricultural production. Japan's agriculture remains largely small-scale and a substantial portion of the workforce is older than 65 years old. Governments therefore continue to grapple with a vulnerable production base and a challenge to attract younger people to the sector. While still domestically protected, the conclusion of trade agreements such as the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) are exposing the sector more to the international market, and the more entrepreneurial farmers have also started to look at exports in order to secure a viable business. 

The 26-page Report looks at the challenges Japan is facing in the agri-food sector and provides an overview of the main government actors and their public procurement activities, both nationally and regionally to support the implementation of their policies.

The Report is currently available for subscribers to the JTPP Helpdesk Thematic Reports Mailing List. For a first glance of the Report, read the introduction here. 

For those with further questions about the Report a free 'Consultancy Hour' Q&A session will be organised later this month.