Japan Is Facing A Rice Shortage

Japan is facing a rice shortage, which could cause prices to go up, leaving shelves empty.

Japan’s supplies are tight due to the government’s policy of paying farmers to grow less rice, combined with panic buying and a bad harvest last year.

Japan has released emergency reserves, but they are not hitting stores fast enough. The Ag Minister even resigned after making a comment about rice availability.

Some retailers are now turning to imports to fill the gap. Analysts say that as farmers age, Japan will need a long-term plan to fix its rice problem.

Related Stories
The analysis models how trade disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz may continue to drive up the cost of fertilizer.
National Land Realty’s Jeramy Stephens explains how rising input costs and economic uncertainty are impacting the farmland market and what landowners should watch moving forward.
Higher fuel costs are raising grain shipping expenses. RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney discusses how energy market disruptions are impacting farmers in new ways as the War in Iran continues.
Labor supply may shift, but uncertainty remains for producers.
University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture students traveled to Italy to study Roman and medieval construction, gaining a unique global educational experience.
Rising costs and prices are shifting acreage toward soybeans. Most fertilizer prices are up double digits from this time last year, with Urea seeing the largest gains.