In a move to stabilize vegetable production, Japan's Agriculture Ministry is set to add broccoli to its list of "designated vegetables". These vegetables, which currently number 14 and include cabbage, radish and tomato, are consumed in large quantities across the country. The inclusion of broccoli, effective from fiscal 2026, marks the first addition to the list since potatoes were added in 1974.
Broccoli, presently listed as one of the 35 "specified vegetables", will be the first of its kind to be promoted to the designated category. This promotion will enable broccoli farmers to receive increased subsidies, particularly during periods of significant price drops.
Data from the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry reveals that broccoli shipments in 2022 totalled 157,100 tons, marking a 28% increase from 2012. A survey also showed a 29% rise in broccoli purchases per household (of two or more people) from 2012. The agriculture ministry observed that while shipment volumes for many vegetables are either flat or declining, broccoli's shipment volume has grown to match that of other designated vegetables.
Key broccoli production areas include Hokkaido, Aichi and Saitama prefectures. Large-scale broccoli producers and shipping organizations will qualify for subsidies upon registration with the ministry and drafting of supply plans based on government guidelines.
Source: japannews.yomiuri.co.jp