S/ Takebe Arata, Agriculture minister / I believe the remarks made by former minister Yana should never have been made, and I am sure he is deeply reflecting on them. Including this issue, I think that advancing agriculture, forestry and fisheries administration with fairness and transparency will lead to restoring trust of both producers and consumers.

Japan’s new farm minister Takebe Arata emphasized that the ministry’s administration must not be allowed to stall.

Regarding rice policy, he noted that if prices fall below production costs, it becomes difficult for farmers to continue operating and said it is important to establish reasonable prices while gaining consumers' understanding.

Concerning procedures toward lifting Japan’s ban on the import of fresh potatoes from the United States, he expressed his intention to respond with a firm attitude, saying imports cannot be permitted if the risk of pest and diseases cannot be scientifically eliminated.

Takebe’s predecessor, Yana Kazuo, stepped down less than a month after being appointed as he faced growing criticism over controversial remarks he made in May and other issues.