2007 Fiscal Year Final Research Report Summary
Comparative Study of Organic Farming and Direct Selling between Japan and France with emphasis on its Idea, Measures and Performance.
| Project/Area Number |
17380132
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| Research Category |
Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
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| Allocation Type | Single-year Grants |
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| Section | 一般 |
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| Research Field |
Agro-economics
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| Research Institution | The University of Tokyo |
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Principal Investigator |
KASE Kazutoshi The University of Tokyo, Institute of Social Science, Professor (20092588)
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| Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha) |
YASAKA Masamitsu The University of Tokyo, Department of Economics, Associate Professor (90191098)
NAKAJIMA Kiichi University of Ibaraki, Department of Agriculture, Professor (50015848)
TAKAHASHI Iwao Nihon University, Department of Bioresource Sciences, Associate Professor (30409065)
ISHII Keiichi University of Tohoku, Department of Agiculure, Associate Professor (20356322)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2005 – 2007
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| Keywords | Organic Farming / Direct Selling / Consumers' Organization / Cerification of Organic Farming / EU Regulation / Organic Open Market / Contract Farming / Cooperation of Producers and Consumers |
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| Research Abstract |
Through the field survey we tried to examine characteristics and development process of organic farming in Japan. By comparing with conventional farming, we analyzed motivation of organic producers and consumers, technological components, marketing channels, and profitability of organic production. In order to clarify characteristics of the organic farming in Japan, we conducted field survey and data collection in France.
Major findings are as follows.
(1) Because of hot and humid weather conditions organic farming in Japan is quite labor intensive, in particular, for weeding. In contrast, organic farming is rather labor extensive in France where farmers put priority on 'slow life' in the countryside.
(2) Central/local governments and agricultural organizations are more supportive to organic farmers in France. Organic farmers can use financial support and advisory services from such bodies. But in Japan, governmental supports to organic farmers are still weak.
(3) In both countries, direct selling from producers to consumers has been the most common channel of organic products. In addition, open markets are still important in France for the marketing of organic products. Even in local towns small markets are opened regularly and consumers can enjoy the purchase of fresh farm products. In Japan, consumer cooperatives play bigger role in the distribution of organic products. They have established tight relation with farmers' groups/cooperatives and quite influential in making public policies in promoting organic farming.
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