Japan is advancing procedures that could lead to the full lifting of its ban on imports of fresh potatoes from the United States, even as concerns persist about quarantine issues and the impact on Japanese farmers’ livelihoods.
Last Friday, the agriculture ministry announced that it would hold a briefing this month on pests and diseases identified as possibly posing a threat to domestic agriculture if they arrive in the country on potatoes. It plans to then begin considering specific quarantine measures before making a final decision on whether to allow imports.
While lifting the import ban could take several years, many are wary about allowing in potatoes from the United States, one of the world’s biggest producers. “We will approach the discussions with resolve,” agriculture minister Norikazu Suzuki told a news conference Friday.
Japan bans in principle imports of fresh potatoes to prevent pest infestations. However, an exemption to the ban was granted in 2006 for U.S. potatoes used to make potato chips.
The agriculture ministry began procedures to consider lifting the import ban based on a World Trade Organization pact, in response to a U.S. request in 2020 to allow in its potatoes for general distribution.
The review process regarding the possible lifting of the import ban is divided into three stages. As part of the second stage, the ministry has identified 21 pests and diseases for which quarantine measures need to be considered. It plans to hold an online briefing session on Sept. 18 and publish the results of its risk assessment.
The ministry will later move on to the final stage, which involves considering infestation prevention measures for each pest or disease type, including the use of insecticides and visual inspections.
Naomichi Suzuki, governor of Hokkaido, which accounts for 80% of domestic potato production, told a news conference on Aug. 21 that the prefecture “cannot accept the lifting of the import ban unless measures are taken to prevent pests and diseases from entering the country and to protect domestic production.”
The Central Union of Agricultural Cooperatives, also known as JA-Zenchu, called for a “resolute response based on scientific grounds.”
