Grape Dispute Tests Japanese PM Hopeful Koizumi
Shinjiro koizumi, Japan’s Agriculture Minister and a leading candidate to become the next Prime Minister, addressed concerns Friday regarding his ministry’s discussions about licensing the popular Shine Muscat grape variety for cultivation in New Zealand. The move has drawn sharp criticism from Japanese producers.
The governor of Yamanashi Prefecture, the heartland of Shine muscat production, publicly voiced his disapproval on thursday, stating the ministry engaged in talks with New Zealand without consulting local growers. Governor Kotaro Nagasaki, accompanied by an agricultural cooperative representative, directly appealed to Koizumi, urging a focus on expanding export markets for the domestically grown grapes instead of allowing overseas production.
Koizumi responded by assuring producers that no cultivation licence would be granted without their consent and the backing of regional governors. He emphasized his agreement with Nagasaki’s call for increased export opportunities for Japanese Shine Muscat grapes. He also pointed to a cabinet-approved policy earlier this year allowing for licensing of certain agricultural products.
The Shine Muscat, a variety developed over three decades by Japanese agricultural researchers, is considered a key export commodity. However, early lack of international protection allowed seedlings to spread to countries like China and South Korea, which are now exporting the fruit to Southeast Asia. Japan implemented legislation in 2021 to curb the illegal sale of these seedlings abroad.
The controversy comes as Koizumi prepares for a crucial leadership vote within the Liberal Democratic party next week, where he hopes to succeed Shigeru Ishiba as party leader.
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