In recent years, there has been increased interest in organic sake. To legally specify something as organic or organically produced is difficult, at least in countries that have begun enforcing the standards that are needed to ensure safety and quality, as well as the protection of the environment.
Until very recently, there were no legal standards or definitions for organic sake. As such, yuki saibai no okome (organically grown rice) or yukimai (organic rice) was commonly seen on sake bottles. But the sake itself was not certifiable as organic. Until now.
Organic rice is certified by the Japanese Agricultural Standards board, under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Such rice is defined as having been grown in a paddy where no agricultural chemicals have been used for at least three years. This has to be certified by a third party.
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