August 24, 2008

In the southwestern prefecture of Kochi, about 3,000 farmers on August 23 held a march in demonstration through Kochi City demanding that the government take emergency measures to help farmers pay for the rising prices of fuel and agricultural inputs.

The demonstration followed a rally called by JA-Kochi (the Kochi prefecture chapter of the Central Union of Agricultural Cooperatives) and the Kochi Agricultural Council.

Speaking on behalf of the organizers, JA-Kochi Chairperson Yamazaki Mikisuke said, “The present crisis of agriculture is so serious that it is impossible for producers to overcome it by themselves. We need emergency assistance by the government so that we can keep agriculture afloat.”
– Akahata, August 24, 2008