Another measure in fight against GMO The Soy Trust Movement in Japan

Another measure in fight against GMO
The Soy Trust Movement in Japan

(2004 MAR)

Agricultural situation and food self-sufficiency rates in Japan

A wide proportion of Japanese agriculture consists of rice production, i.e. cultivating rice in paddy fields. Japan is located in Asia-monsoon climate region, with annual precipitation averaging approximately 2000mm, more than double the world average. Therefore paddy rice cultivation comprises the main part of its agriculture, and rice consequently is its staple food.
In the past Japan used to grow wheat, soy, oilseed rape and cotton as staple products as well. However, after World War 2, Japan became one of the major grain markets for the US, and the production within the country of staple products other than rice was abated. Current approximate self-sufficiency rates of such former staple products are as follows: wheat 10%, soy 5%, oilseed rape and cotton 0%. Incidentally, the self-sufficiency rate of corn used as animal feed is also 0%. On the other hand, though the self-sufficiency rate dropped to 96% following import liberalization, rice remains to be self-sufficient.
Major genetically modified (GM) products in today's world market are corn, soy, oilseed rape and cotton. Monsanto Co. currently proceeds to commercialize GM wheat in US and Canada. In Japan, the Department of Agriculture continues its research in GM rice.


The need to raise self-sufficiency rate

When production and export of GM products began primarily in North America, Japan became its major market. Japanese citizens and consumers against genetically modified organisms (GMO) believed that Japan's low self-sufficiency rate, and especially the fact that almost no soy, corn, oilseed rape and cotton are produced on their own land, worked as strong inducements.
Hence, Japanese citizens and consumers began movements to fight against import and production of GM products into and in Japan, and when the products started to force its way through despite their opposition, raised their voices for mandatory labeling system, and called on to domestic farmers to grow non-GM soy, oilseed rape and corn.
Among these products, soy was of particular importance as ingredient of several traditional Japanese foods such as Tofu (soybean curd), Miso (soybean paste), Soy sauce, Natto (fermented soybeans). Thus, they began the "Soy Trust" movement, aiming to visually raise soy production in Japan.
The Soy Trust does not buy off lands. It makes arrangements with farmers to grow soy on his land, and the production cost will be provided by consumer members. The harvested soy will be equally distributed among the consumers who provided the money. Such efforts bestowed by concerned consumers and farmers successfully raised the self-sufficiency rate of soy from 2% to 5% in the past six years. Improvements in the Japanese agricultural policy, which now began to promote wheat and soy production, also acted as favorable elements.


Fighting against planting GM soy in Japan

Though very few, there are farmers who cooperate with Monsanto to grow GM soy. Experimental cultivation took place in three locations within Japan in 2003. However in all three locations experiments were halted with strong oppositions from surrounding conventional farmers and consumers.
One of the experimental locations was in Ibaraki prefecture, an area well known for soy and Natto production. Accordingly, the few GM soy promoters are concentrating their pursuit in this area.
Endeavoring to stand against such move, the annual nation-wide meeting of Soy Trust was held in Fujishiro city, Ibaraki prefecture in January 2004. Several farmers, NGOs against GMO, consumer groups, citizens groups, and environmental organizations gathered for the event.
The meeting was opened with a "Natto Party". Many different kinds of Nattos made of soybeans grown in Ibaraki prefecture and by the Soy Trust were present, and the participants enjoyed various Natto and soybean cuisines, e.g. traditional Japanese, Italian style, etc.
Ms. Hisako Negishi of Norinchukin Research Institute Co., Ltd. then gave a lecture entitled "Regional self-sufficiency and soy", in which she mentioned, "There is no GM product grown in Japan. Farmers and consumer groups must appeal this fact to consumers, and further increase production and purchase of domestically grown farm products. Farmers and consumers both need to especially recognize the importance of eating what is locally grown in the region and of preserving regional environment, as the "Slow-food" movement signifies".
Information on Soy Trust movements in different areas of Japan was exchanged, including the following reports:
- In 2003 Japan experienced cold summer and rice production decreased nation-wide. Accordingly less soy were distributed among consumers in the Soy Trust, resulting in some complaints.
- Some consumers began to rent land and grow soy themselves.
- Local Tofu-maker was asked to process harvested soy into Tofu, and the product was well received by consumers of the region.

The Soy Trust movement has been a successful measure in increasing soy production and protesting against GMO. In 2004 it plans to expand its activities in each small regional area along with the Slow-food movement with the slogan, "We do not eat nor grow GM soy".
Research institutions of the Department of Agriculture conspire to carry out experimental cultivation of GM rice in different areas within Japan every year. The Soy Trust network is functioning effectively in preventing this plot.

The Soy Trust is organized by the NO! GMO Campaign.

[ March 29, 2004 | NGO's_infomation ]