Arya News - Japan`s domestic potato producers have raised concerns over over the risk of disease and pest invasions, despite the government`s assurance of safety and consideration.
SAPPORO – The government is progressing in allowing fresh potato imports from the United States as potato harvesting is reaching its peak in Hokkaido. The prefecture is the largest producer of potatoes in Japan. Since lifting the ban on U.S. potato imports comes with the risk of disease and pest invasions, the government regards safety a major premise. However, domestic potato producers are voicing their concerns and uncertainty.
Masayuki Masuhara, 45, grows potatoes in a 3.5-hectare field in Niseko in the prefecture and began harvesting the vegetable in mid-September. On Sept. 17, he was busy harvesting danshaku potatoes using machinery with his family.
“There is no such thing as 100% safe,” Masuhara said. “If disease or vermin spreads, there is a possibility that we can’t grow not only potatoes but also many other vegetables,” he added. In principle, crop rotation is a norm for fields, so he takes thorough measures against disease and pests. Once damage occurs from either, it will affect growing other produce, such as tomatoes.
According to the Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Ministry, white potato cyst nematodes, a type of pest, infected the vegetable in Abashiri in the prefecture in 2015. Even after over 10 years, some of the affected fields remain unusable for cropping.
“If by some chance I can no longer farm, will the government take responsibility?” Masuhara said, raising his voice.
The ministry held a nationwide online briefing for those interested on Sept. 18 and explained that it identified 21 diseases and insects from the United States that posed a risk of invasion. The ministry added it would start discussing conditions for lifting the import ban.
“I will cautiously handle the matter based on scientific grounds,” said Kazuo Yana, agriculture minister, during his inauguration press conference on Friday.
However, potato producers have lingering concerns.
“It’s totally unacceptable,” said Isao Tarui, the head of JA Hokkaido Chuo, the Japan Agricultural Cooperative’s branch in the prefecture, at a regular press conference in August.
He expressed his disapproval of lifting the ban to reporters again on Sept. 16.
“The stable production of local potatoes is far more important than importing [them],” he said.