The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has started a study on visualizing the effects of CO2 reduction on marketed agricultural products. As a first step, the ministry has begun discussions on an ideal indication to give consumers accurate information on the efforts by these industries to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the ranges of emissions to be calculated, and the reliability of such information. The ministry's interim report will be compiled by December 2008.

In July 2008, the research group presented its calculations for CO2 emissions from rice cultivation and saury fishing, based on both actual levels and estimates achievable through the campaign. The ministry aims to convert the energy systems in the agriculture, forestry and fisheries industry from fossil fuels to biomass fuels. Furthermore when transportation distance and its means are included as items to be indicated on the products, domestic and/or local products will have greater advantages for CO2 reduction. Thus Japan's food self-sufficiency is expected to increase.

By knowing and caring more about the CO2 emissions of nearby agricultural products, consumers can choose a low-carbon lifestyle. Instead of mandatory labeling for CO2 emissions, which will be an extra burden for farmers, the ministry will develop such guidelines in an effort to bring more farmers willingly into the campaign. The ministry's final report will be compiled by March 2009.

http://www.maff.go.jp/e/index.html
- MAFF Releases Global Warming Strategy with New CO2 Reduction Targets (Related JFS article)
http://www.japanfs.org/db/1887-e
- Unstable Weather Causes Sharp Drop in Japan's Food Self-Sufficiency Ratio (Related JFS article)
http://www.japanfs.org/db/1930-e
- MOE to Research Ways to Display CO2 Emissions from Products and Services (Related JFS article)
http://www.japanfs.org/db/2022-e

Posted: 2008/09/29 09:24:34 AM

TAG Food/Water , Global warming , Government