Germany and Japan plan to further expand their cooperation in the agricultural and food sectors. German Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer (CSU) and his Japanese counterpart, Norikazu Suzuki, signed a memorandum in Tokyo aimed at boosting the trade of agricultural products, as the Federal Ministry of Agriculture announced on Tuesday.
Germany is planning to increase its export of German red wine to Japan, while Japan intends to intensify efforts to export sake and rice. Rainer emphasized the importance of close ties between the two nations, particularly given geopolitical tensions, pressure on supply chains, and climate change. Japan currently has a self-sufficiency rate of 38 percent, and consumers there are also dealing with rising food prices. Additionally, the two ministers agreed to continue scientific exchange regarding regionalization, specifically in light of the African Swine Fever.
Another focus of the visit was a tour of a Japanese crisis preparedness and emergency management facility. Due to its extensive experience with natural disasters, Japan possesses comprehensive structures for crisis preparedness. Rainer also visited the “Microalgae Lab” at the CHITOSE Group to learn about the Matsuri project, which is advancing the establishment of large-scale microalgae farming.
