With reference to the May 17 article "Import-dependent Japan fears food crisis": As a researcher (human health, environment and rice) and fellow citizen, I am deeply concerned about the "import-dependent" Japan food crisis. Japan has the land, technology and human resources (albeit aging) to offset this crisis, if carefully planned. The only thing I see that's lacking is the willpower and decision making at an early stage for bringing about change in the agricultural and food industry.
What we need to do is simply start promoting the cultivation of not only rice, but also wheat, other cereals, and vegetables and fruits in a planned manner by major companies involved in the food industry. Also incentives must be given for younger, middle-age and semi-retired personnel who wish to "cultivate" and expand agricultural cooperatives (such as JA) around each city as far as possible within a region.
Transportation costs, considering the ever-rising oil prices, will be a major factor in increasing food prices. A renewed look at agriculture policies at the local and prefectural levels will greatly help Japan become self-sustaining as far as food production is concerned. Moreover, as the article stresses, "waste of food" should be avoided by both consumers as well as companies (especially supermarkets). We can do it -- at the level of the individual, the family and the community.
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