— Latest update: June 2023 —

Until recently, Japanese agriculture experienced a long period of contraction. Since 1990, the value of Japan’s agricultural production has decreased by more than 25% and the number of commercial farm households and agricultural workers by more than 50%. The agricultural sector continues to be under pressure to raise its productivity, primarily to improve international competitiveness and thereby contribute to economic growth, in particular in rural areas, but also to ensure food security in the territory and face the difficulty that are now impacting agriculture, such as climate change. Japan has a severe shortage of arable land, covering only 11.3% of Japan’s total territory. The country’s self-sufficiency rate currently stands at 39%.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) is the main public player concerned with agricultural issues.

OECD, Innovation, Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability in Japan, 2019
National Agriculture and Food Research Organisation, 2021 NARO Brochure, 2021
World Bank, Arable Land (% of Land Area), 2018

Table of Contents

• Overview
• Workers in Agriculture
• Types of Farms
  • Urban Farming
  • Digital Farming
  • Sustainable and Organic Farming
• Expert Reports & Webinars
• Annual Reports
• Further Reading
• Relevant Organisations and Trade Fairs