January 27, 2010
Keywords: Food Local government Policy / Systems
Matsumoto City in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, announced on November 1, 2009, that it would start a registration system for restaurants and retail shops in the city that actively use locally-produced agricultural and livestock products. In this system, restaurants and retail shops using local products will be registered as shops promoting consumption of local food. The city aims to provide more information on agricultural and livestock products in and around Matsumoto City and to encourage their consumption.
The items designated by the system as being produced in and around Matsumoto City are agricultural and livestock products cultivated or raised in Matsumoto City, Shiojiri City, Azumino City and Higashi-Chikuma County. Shinshu-Kogane Shamo (a high-quality local chicken), horse meat, and fishery products from all parts of Nagano Prefecture are also included.
Matsumoto City aims to recruit restaurants, hotels, food processing facilities and retail shops in the city that are willing to use and promote local products. After the mayor's approval, the shops will be registered. The shops will then place the certificate and signs issued from the city in visible locations both inside and in front of the store in order to actively advertise and sell the local products. The city will publicize the names of the registered shops through its website and by other means.
Posted: 2010/01/27 06:00:15 AM