Japan: Expansion of Support Payments for Rice and New 2021 Rice Production Targets

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) added rice to its COVID-19 economic stimulus product sales promotion program in response to ongoing, weak demand for rice from the food service and home meal replacement sectors. MAFF also made changes to annual programs to extend the period of eligibility for table rice storage support payments and to make rice for manufacturing rice wine eligible for new support payments. MAFF adjusted the 2021 table rice production target downward in an effort to reduce privately held rice inventories.

Japan: Expansion of Support Payments for Rice and New 2021 Rice Production Targets