Japanese beef prices — already the world's highest — are about to get even higher, the country's farmers said Wednesday, warning that livestock feed prices have shot up from the global rush for ethanol.
But the farmers pleaded for understanding from consumers, saying they face extremely difficult times.
"We are facing a crisis that is endangering our very survival," said Toshihiko Baba of JA Group, the nation's top agricultural organization. "This is unprecedented in being unlike any other feed price problems we have experienced."