Japan
Direct quote
“The fundamental principle is that rice prices are determined by the market.”
Takaichi states rice prices are determined by the market and acknowledges the need to buy back stockpiled rice for food security.
The fundamental principle is that rice prices are determined by the market. I believe it is important for prices to settle at a level that enables producers to sustain production while also being acceptable to consumers. Regarding your question about repurchasing rice for government stockpiles, from the perspective of food security, I recognize the need to buy back stockpiled rice and restore the level of reserves going forward in preparation for possible supply shortages resulting from poor harvests in the future or sudden increases in demand. To that end, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries will smoothly proceed with the recently decided buyback of 210,000 tons of rice. In addition, I understand that, while continuing to carefully assess supply and demand conditions and other factors, the Government will steadily proceed with the planned replenishment of stockpiles...
On the determination of rice prices.