Japan's agriculture minister vows to drive down rice prices

Japan's Agriculture Minister Koizumi Shinjiro has vowed to drive down rice prices to ensure that consumers will not shift away from the country's staple grain. Koizumi met with rice producers on Sunday in Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture.

Some farmers called for a fundamental change in the country's policy on agriculture. The chairman of JA Fukushima Chuou-kai, a local group of the national agricultural cooperatives, urged Koizumi to realize a price level that is satisfactory for both rice producers and consumers.

Koizumi replied that it is imperative to rein in soaring prices before guiding them to an adequate level. He said this should prevent a shift away from rice consumption. He said the government will do all it can to bring down rice prices. He emphasized that the government is also considering farmers' interests.