Japan’s food self-sufficiency rate has remained steady at 38% in the fiscal year 2023, according to the agriculture ministry. This rate has stayed the same for three consecutive years, despite the government’s goal of increasing it to 45% by 2030.
In the fiscal year 2023, there was an increase in wheat production, which helped boost the food self-sufficiency rate. However, the lower sugar content in sugar beets had a negative impact on the overall rate.
It is important to note that while the demand for rice is decreasing, the consumption of animal products, which require imported feed, is on the rise. This shift in food culture has contributed to the stagnant food self-sufficiency rate in Japan, which has been hovering between 37% and 39%.
When looking at the production value, Japan’s overall food self-sufficiency rate in the fiscal year 2023 increased by 3 percentage points compared to the previous year. This increase was due to a decrease in the value of imports of animal products, including feed, and more stable grain market conditions.
The government will need to address these challenges in order to meet its target of 45% food self-sufficiency by 2030. It will be important to focus on increasing domestic production of key food items and reducing reliance on imports.
Overall, Japan’s food self-sufficiency rate remains a key issue for the country’s food security and agricultural policy. It will be interesting to see how the government tackles these challenges in the coming years to achieve its goals.