Japan’s Hokkaido Farmers Concerned About Possible Imports of U.S. Potatoes
SAPPORO — The government is progressing in allowing fresh potato imports from the United States as potato harvesting is reaching its peak in Hokkaido. The prefecture is the largest producer of potatoes in Japan.
Japan's Hokkaido farmers are expressing concern over the potential import of U.S. potatoes, as the government moves closer to lifting the existing ban. Hokkaido, the largest potato producer in Japan, is currently in the midst of peak harvesting season. While the government emphasizes safety as a key consideration, domestic potato growers are uncertain and worried about the risks involved.
Masayuki Masuhara, a 45-year-old potato farmer from Niseko, stated that there is no guarantee of 100% safety when it comes to importing foreign produce. He mentioned the possibility of disease or pests affecting not just potatoes, but also other crops due to crop rotation practices. In 2015, white potato cyst nematodes infested some fields in Abashiri, making them unsuitable for cultivation even after more than a decade.
The Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Ministry acknowledged 21 diseases and insects from the U.S. that could invade Hokkaido and is now discussing conditions for lifting the import ban. However, potato producers, including Isao Tarui from JA Hokkaido Chuo, remain skeptical and insist that protecting local potato production should take priority over importing them.
Written by urgent.news from The Japan News by The Yomiuri Shimbun's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
