Government to Distribute Hoarded Rice for Manufacturing of Processed Foods, Initiative Starting from August
**Japanese Government Announces Release of Stockpiled Rice for Processed Foods and Beverages**
In an effort to manage the rice market and stabilise supply and prices, the Japanese government has announced its plan to release stockpiled rice for use in processed foods and beverages. Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi made the announcement in early August, stating that the move is a continuation of the government's efforts to maintain food security and economic stability.
The initial release of rice will consist of 100,000 tons from the 2021 crop year, with plans to release an additional 100,000 tons from the 2020 harvest once the 2021 stock is depleted. The specific amount to be released in each instance will be decided at a later date.
The rice will be sold to businesses under discretionary contracts, and will be used in a variety of products such as miso, rice crackers, sake, and shochu distilled spirits. The call for the release of government-stockpiled rice is specifically for businesses involved in processed foods and beverages, and the rice is not intended for direct consumption.
The decision to release the rice is a response to the current situation, with concerns about a predicted decrease in the 2025 rice crop for processed products. The anticipated decrease has been a cause for concern among businesses in the sake brewing industry, among others, who have been calling for the release of government-stockpiled rice by around mid-September.
The timing of the rice release request is around mid-September, with the sake brewing process expected to start by the same time. The release of the rice is intended to address supply issues and price pressures ahead of significant political events, such as elections.
It is worth noting that the decision to release the rice does not affect the availability of rice for direct consumption. The 2025 acreage for staple food rice is the largest in five years as of the end of April, and the expected 2025 rice crop for processed products is predicted to decrease.
This is not the first time the Japanese government has released its stockpiled rice to help curb soaring prices of the staple food. The move is part of an emergency measure to stabilize the market by increasing the rice supply available to retailers and local sellers with milling capacity.
References: [1] Asahi Shimbun. (2021, August 6). Japanese gov't to sell rice from stockpiles to businesses. Retrieved from https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14216129 [2] Kyodo News. (2021, August 6). Japan to sell rice from stockpiles to food makers in bid to stabilize market. Retrieved from https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/08/06/national/japan-to-sell-rice-from-stockpiles-to-food-makers-in-bid-to-stabilize-market/ [3] NHK World-Japan. (2021, August 6). Japan to sell rice from stockpiles to food companies to stabilize market. Retrieved from https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210806_18/
- The release of rice from government stockpiles is not limited to direct consumption, as it will also be used in the art of sake brewing and other processed food and beverages within the Japanese business sector.
- The Japanese government's decision to release stockpiled rice for businesses is a continuation of their commitment to cultural preservation, as this rice will be used in traditional artisanal products like miso and sake.
- In the realm of finance, the release of government-stockpiled rice is aimed at stabilizing prices and ensuring economic stability within the food-and-drink industry, which plays a significant role in Japan's lifestyle and cultural identity.
- As the Japanese government sells rice from their stockpiles to businesses, they aim to bolster the country's agricultural sector and maintain its status as a key player in the global food and drink market.
