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2026 September 2 - 8 TOP3 [SOCIAL ISSUES]

Japanese farmers voice concerns over US potato imports

Japanese farmers and the Japanese Communist Party Dietmembers’ group on September 4 held a hearing at the Senators’ Office Building with officials of the Ministry of Agriculture regarding the lifting of the ban on imports of U.S. raw potatoes.

The hearing focused on the potential risks of pest and disease infestation associated with raw potato imports.

A ministry official explained that, for 21 species of pests and diseases, consultations with the United States about risk management measures are required. The official stated that the ministry will conduct risk assessments based on scientific evidence and make the results public.

In the past, an infestation of the “white cyst nematode” pest was discovered in Hokkaido. However, the route of entry has not been identified.

One farmer asked, “Could it have been brought in via potatoes imported for potato chips from the United States?” The official responded that the ministry suspects potential illegal importation.

A food analyst pointed out, “An outbreak of the ‘pale cyst nematode’ affecting potatoes occurred in Idaho in 2006. However, it has still not been declared eradicated.” He demanded that fresh potato imports not be permitted as long as the source of the outbreak remains unknown.

Attendees at this hearing included JCP Senator Iwabuchi Tomo; JCP Kami Tomoko who is in charge of agricultural issues; and representatives from the Japan Family Farmers’ Movement (Nouminren); the Nouminren-affiliated Food Analysis Center; and the direct-from-farm organization “Furusato Network.”