Due to the escalating impact of climate change on food production, Japan is intensifying to safeguard the quality and sustainability of its food supply. The nation is rolling out innovative measures to address the challenges posed by unpredictable weather patterns, rising temperatures, and extreme natural disasters, which are increasingly threatening agricultural yields and food security. The measures are expected to drive innovation in the agri-food manufacturing sector, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
Susmitha Bynagari, Consumer Analyst at Global Data, comments: “With the global climate crisis intensifying, Japan, a country highly dependent on its agriculture and seafood industries, is particularly vulnerable to the repercussions of climate change. From rising ocean temperatures affecting fisheries to erratic rainfall patterns damaging crop yields, these environmental shifts pose significant risks to food quality and availability.
“To combat these challenges, Japan’s government announced a comprehensive strategy in 2023, aimed at preserving food quality while minimizing the impacts of climate disruptions. This initiative includes a range of policies that focus on enhancing food production resilience, promoting sustainable farming practices, and strengthening disaster response mechanisms.”
Bynagari adds: “The Japanese government has introduced temperature-resistant varieties of rice, fruits, and vegetables, which have helped improve both yield and product quality. The Japanese public, aware of the importance of sustainable practices, also support these initiatives. Notably, 62% of respondents in GlobalData’s recent consumer survey indicated that sustainability and environmental considerations are important factors when making food and beverage purchasing decisions.*.”
Tim Hill, Key Account Director, SE Asia at GlobalData adds: “Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) is spearheading the carbon neutrality initiative, which is aligned with the country’s broader commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 2050. This ambitious goal includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture and fostering practices that contribute to a more sustainable and climate-resilient food supply chain.”
Bynagari concludes: “As global efforts to combat climate change intensify, Japan’s agricultural communities are embracing innovative techniques to cultivate rice, fruits, and vegetables that enhance yield. The growing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly practices presents new opportunities for innovation within the agri-food manufacturing sector, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in response to the challenges posed by global warming and shifting climatic conditions.”
*GlobalData 2024 Q3 Consumer Survey – Japan, with 500 respondents, published in October 2024
Fonte: GlobalData
