Agriculture Minister Suzuki denies “pressure” to increase rice production, but says “we will not compensate even if rice prices fall” and quietly “points out to producers” at press conference

https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/904a5475e9bf85bad4c264f556b67b9af37d28b2?source=sns&dv=pc&mid=other&date=20251226&ctg=dom&bt=tw_up

　In the Akita Sakigake Shimpo (website broadcast on December 17th), a local newspaper in Akita Prefecture, former Governor Takahisa Satake (78) and others testified that the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) had demanded that the prefecture not increase rice production and suggested cuts to subsidies. Agriculture Minister Norikazu Suzuki (43) consistently denied the allegations.

As part of measures to combat rising rice prices, the "rice coupons" with an expiration date of September 2026 have been rejected by consumers and many local governments. While he was appointed minister following the formation of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's (64) cabinet in October, he appears to be losing the public's trust day by day. Meanwhile, reports of MAFF pressure have surfaced from the former governor and prefectural officials.