Japanese farm minister Shinjiro Koizumi, a leading contender to become the next premier, addressed criticism regarding his ministry's handling of a licensing discussion for Shine Muscat grapes. The issue arose after reports that the ministry had entered talks with New Zealand about growing the variety without consulting producers.
At a press conference on Thursday, Kotaro Nagasaki, governor of Yamanashi prefecture, one of Japan's main Shine Muscat production regions, criticised the ministry's approach. Nagasaki, together with a representative of the local agricultural cooperative, met with Koizumi to formally protest and request that the government focus on expanding export markets instead of offering cultivation rights abroad.
Koizumi stated that the ministry did not intend to issue a cultivation licence without input from producers. "Governor Nagasaki has requested that we increase the number of countries to which Japan can export Shine Muscat grapes, and I completely agree," he said.
The debate comes as Koizumi prepares for a leadership contest within the Liberal Democratic Party to replace outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
Source: Reuters