Browse Data and Analysis

This report provides the latest status of consumption, regulation, public perception, research, development, production, and use of agricultural biotechnology in Japan.

On June 2021, Kenya became the first country globally to approve the environmental release of genetically engineered (GE) cassava. Bt. corn will likely be sent to Kenya’s cabinet for exemption from Kenya’s GE ban and final approval in fall 2021.

South Africa has a robust and experienced regulatory system for genetically engineered (GE) products, which started with the publication of its “GMO” Act in 1997. Today, South Africa is among the top-10 largest producers of GE crops in the world and by far the largest in Africa.

The Government of Tanzania (GoT) uses a conservative, precautionary approach to manage genetically engineered (GE) products.

The Government of Senegal is still reviewing and revising its new biosafety law which may include language for an expedited approval process for certain genetically engineered (GE) products.

Given the small scale of urban farming in Japan, urban agricultural production is unlikely to impact U.S. agricultural priorities in Japan but may offer limited opportunities for exports of specific U.S. commodities.

FAS/Tokyo estimates an 18 percent reduction, to 1.8 million metric tons, in Japan’s 2021 domestic fresh potato supply due to unfavorable weather in Hokkaido for two years in row.

This report is a complementary addition to the published 2020 Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional (HRI) food service report, and highlights the Tokyo-Yokohama metropolitan area.

On November 10, Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries confirmed a detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial layer flock near Yokote City, Akita Prefecture.

Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) proposed revisions to Japan’s maximum residue levels for 9 agricultural chemicals (Uniconazole-P, Oxathiapiprolin, Cadusafos, Pyribencarb, Fenazaquin, Fluazinam, Broflanilide, Pendimethalin, and Foramsulfuron) for various agricultural commodities.

Japan invites public comments on the newly developed Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS) for textured soy protein products. Textured Soy Protein Products include soy meat (soybean-based alternative meat products with no animal-derived ingredients)...

Japan opened the public comment for newly developed Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS) for wood pellet fuel. Comments are due to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries by December 9, 2021.