Japan considers lifting ban on imports of fresh potatoes from the United States
Japan is moving toward a possible full lifting of its ban on imports of fresh potatoes from the United States. The country’s Ministry of Agriculture is conducting procedures that must precede a final decision on allowing American potatoes to be sold on the Japanese market for general distribution.
As The Japan Times reports, the ministry will hold a briefing in September on pests and diseases that could threaten the country’s agriculture if they enter Japan together with potatoes. After that, the agency plans to begin reviewing specific quarantine measures and subsequently make a decision on imports.
Assessment of quarantine risks
The process of reviewing the ban consists of three stages. At the second stage, the ministry identified 21 pests and diseases for which quarantine measures need to be considered. An online briefing is scheduled for September 18. The agency must also publish the results of its risk assessment.
At the final stage, officials will consider measures to prevent the entry of pests and diseases for each risk category. Possible measures include the use of insecticides and visual inspections of products.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Producers’ position
Japan generally bans imports of fresh potatoes in order to prevent the spread of pests. However, since 2006, an exception has been in place for potatoes from the United States intended for the production of potato chips.
The ministry began procedures for the possible lifting of the ban in response to a 2020 U.S. request to allow imports of potatoes for general distribution, submitted under a World Trade Organization agreement. Agriculture Minister Norikazu Suzuki said that the authorities would take a firm approach to the discussions.
Hokkaido Governor Naomichi Suzuki stated that the prefecture cannot agree to lift the ban without measures to prevent pests and diseases and protect domestic production. Hokkaido accounts for 80% of potato production in Japan.
