経済｜コメ価格の高止まりと影響 / Economy | The Persistently High Rice Prices and Their Impact

Summary

One reason for the high prices of rice is the increase in direct transactions between farmers and businesses other than agricultural cooperatives (JA). These transactions are occurring at prices nearly twice as high as those through JA sales routes, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has analyzed that this is hindering a decline in prices. They have expressed their intention to lower rice prices by introducing a new bidding system and directly providing stored rice to retailers.

Dialogue

This dialogue is fictional and based on the article.

Chako: Hey Log, I heard that the price of rice has been high lately! What do you think?
Log: It’s true. There’s been an increase in deals where companies other than JA are buying directly from farmers. That’s driving the prices up.
Chako: Really? So, it’s more expensive than through JA?
Log: Yeah. It seems the prices are about twice as high as those through JA.
Navi: I’d like to add that this price increase is also considered a significant factor in the analysis by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries.
Chako: I hope the new bidding system helps bring the prices down!
Log: Yeah, that’s what we’re hoping for.

Admin’s Note

The high prices of rice are affecting many people. I was particularly surprised by how the increase in direct transactions is changing the distribution system. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is trying to introduce a new bidding system, which is promising news for consumers, but we need to observe future developments to see if it will actually be effective. I hope that a drop in prices will ease the burden on households.