[Objective]
Article 1. The law aims for the
implementation of comprehensive measures regarding the promotion of
organic agriculture, with the intention to develop organic agriculture, by
laying out the basic idea of such promotion, clarifying the
responsibilities of the State and local public entities, as well as
stipulating basic matters concerning such measures.
[Definition]
Article 2. As used herein, the
term “organic agriculture” signifies agriculture employing agricultural
production methods that have reduced as much as possible the environmental
burdens derived from agricultural production by, in essence, not using
chemically synthesized fertilizers and pesticides, as well as genetic
modification technologies.
[Basic idea]
Article 3. Taking into
consideration that the sustainable development of agriculture and the
securing of agricultural production that is in harmony with the
environment are vital, and that organic agriculture significantly
increases the natural circulation function of agriculture (i.e.
agricultural production activities both rely on the cycle of substances
mediated by creatures in the natural world, while facilitating the cycle
at the same time) and reduces the environmental burden derived from
agricultural production, the promotion of organic agriculture shall be
implemented with the intention to make it easier for farmers to engage in
such agriculture.
2. Taking into consideration that
consumer demand for foodstuff has advanced and diversified, and that
consumer demand for safe and quality agricultural products has grown, with
organic agriculture being conducive to supplying agricultural products
that meet such demand, the promotion of organic agriculture shall be
implemented with the intention of making it possible for farmers and
others parties concerned to proactively undertake the production,
distribution and sale of agricultural products produced through organic
methods, as well as for consumers to have better access to such products.
3. Taking into consideration that
it is important to foster consumer understanding of organic agriculture
and organically produced products, the promotion of organic agriculture
shall be implemented with the intention of facilitating the partnerships
among farmers practicing organic agriculture (hereinafter referred to as
“organic farmers”), other parties concerned and consumers.
4. The promotion of organic
agriculture shall be implemented while respecting the autonomy of farmers
and other parties concerned.
[Responsibilities of State and
local public entities]
Article 4. State and local public
entities, in accordance with the basic idea stipulated in the previous
article, assume responsibilities in formulating and implementing
comprehensive measures regarding the promotion of organic agriculture.
2. State and local public
entities shall garner cooperation from farmers, other parties concerned
and consumers when promoting organic agriculture.
[Legislative and other actions]
Article 5. The government shall
take legislative or financial action, among other actions, to implement
measures regarding the promotion of organic agriculture.
[Basic policy]
Article 6. The minister of
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries shall determine the basic policy for
promoting organic agriculture (hereinafter referred to as “Basic Policy”).
2. The Basic Policy shall include
the following matters:
1) Basic matters regarding the
promotion of organic agriculture
2) Matters regarding targets of
the promotion and prevalence of organic agriculture
3) Matters regarding measures
concerning the promotion of organic agriculture
4) Other matters necessary for
promoting organic agriculture
3. The minister of Agriculture,
Forestry and Fisheries shall, when determining or altering the Basic
Policy, discuss with the leaders of relevant administrative organizations
and consult with the Ministry’s Council of Food, Agriculture and Rural
Area Policies.
4. When the Basic Policy is
determined or altered, the minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
shall announce that without delay.
[Promotion plan]
Article 7. Prefectural
governments shall, in line with the Basic Policy, try to formulate plans
concerning measures regarding the promotion of organic agriculture
(referred to as “Promotion Plans” in the following clause).
2. When their Promotion Plans are
determined or altered, the Prefectural governments shall announce that
without delay.
[Supporting organic farmers, among
others]
Article 8. State and local public
entities shall take necessary measures to support organic farmers and
those who intend to engage in organic agriculture.
[Facilitating technical
development, etc.]
Article 9. State and local public
entities shall take necessary measures, including the improvement of
research facilities and the provision of training and information for
disseminating research results, for facilitating research and development
of techniques regarding organic agriculture and disseminating the results.
[Fostering understanding and
interest among consumers]
Article 10. State and local
public entities shall take necessary measures to deepen consumer
understanding and interest in organic agriculture, including advertisement
activities to disseminate knowledge regarding organic agriculture and
enlighten the public.
[Fostering mutual understanding
between organic farmers and consumers]
Article 11. State and local
public entities shall take necessary measures, including the encouragement
of exchange between organic farmers and consumers, for fostering mutual
understanding between the two parties.
[Implementing surveys]
Article 12. State and local
public entities shall carry out necessary surveys regarding the promotion
of organic agriculture.
[Supporting activities to promote
organic agriculture conducted by non-State and local public entities]
Article 13. State and local
public entities shall take necessary measures for supporting activities to
promote organic agriculture conducted by those other than State and local
public entities.
[State assistance to local public
entities]
Article 14. State entities, with
regard to local public entities’ measures for promoting organic
agriculture, may extend assistance, including the provision of necessary
training and advice.
[Reflecting opinions of organic
farmers, among others]
Article 15. State and local
public entities, when formulating measures to promote organic agriculture,
shall take necessary measures so that opinions of organic farmers, other
parties concerned and consumers will be reflected in the measures, such as
providing them with opportunities to express their opinions concerning the
measures.
Supplementary provisions
[Date of enforcement]
1. This law will be put into
effect as of the date of promulgation.
[Amendment to Basic Law on Food,
Agriculture and Rural Areas]
2. The Basic Law on Food,
Agriculture and Rural Areas (Heisei 11 [1999] law No. 106) shall be
partially amended as follows:
“…and
the Law for Promotion of Recycling and Related Activities for Treatment of
Cyclical Food Resources (Heisei 12 [2000] law No. 116)” in Clause 3,
Article 40 shall be revised to “…, the Law for Promotion of Recycling and
Related Activities for Treatment of Cyclical Food Resources (Heisei 12
[2000] law No. 116) and the Law on Promotion of Organic Agriculture
(Heisei 18 [2006] law No. ___)”
[Amendment to Law on Extending
Subsidy for Stabilizing Management to Those Who Lead Agriculture]
3. The Law on Extending Subsidy
for Stabilizing Management to Those Who Lead Agriculture (Heisei 18 [2006]
law No. 88) shall be partially amended as follows:
The amended provision of Clause 3,
Article 40 in Article 9 of the Supplementary Provisions shall be revised
as follows:
“…,
the Law on Extending Subsidy for Stabilizing Management to Those Who Lead
Agriculture (Heisei 18 [2006] law No.88)” shall be added under “the Law
for Promotion of Recycling and Related Activities for Treatment of
Cyclical Food Resources (Heisei 12 [2000] law No. 116)” in Clause 3,
Article 40.
Grounds
In order to implement
comprehensive measures regarding the promotion of organic agriculture,
with the intention to develop organic agriculture, it is necessary to lay
out the basic idea of such promotion, clarify the responsibilities of the
State and local public entities, as well as stipulate basic matters
concerning such measures. On these grounds, I submit this bill.