Domestic farmers rebel against lifting of ban on US potato imports, with underlying concerns about pest invasion

There is growing opposition from domestic farmers over the lifting of the ban on importing U.S. potatoes. The government has received a request from the United States to lift the ban and is considering whether to do so, but the root of the opposition seems to be a sense of crisis that if pests and diseases were to invade, it could cause catastrophic damage to domestic production.

"Potato cyst nematode" "Potato white cyst nematode". Potato farmers are intimidated by the name.

A pest with a body length of less than 1 mm. Although it does not cause any harm to humans, it is said that when it infects the roots of potatoes, it interferes with the absorption of nutrients and causes damage such as poor growth. It is resistant to dryness and low temperatures, and can survive in the soil for over 15 years, making it a troublesome species that is difficult to eradicate.

Concerns about US pressure

For this reason, importing raw U.S. potatoes is currently prohibited. Because cyst nematodes die when fried in high-temperature oil, the import ban was lifted in 2006 on the condition that potatoes for potato chips and other products be transported directly to factories in completely sealed conditions for cooking.

However, in 2020, the United States asked Japan to lift the ban on exporting raw potatoes for use in supermarkets and the restaurant industry. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries will proceed with review work based on laws and regulations, including work to identify pests and diseases that may pose a risk.

Potatoes...