Monday, February 8, 2016

Free Trade Places the Future of Rice Farming in Japan in Doubt

bilaterals.org

Rice has been at the centre of Japan’s economy and culture for centuries. But changes are afoot. There is growing concern among Japanese farmers that the country’s rice-producing capabilities are diminishing in the face of international trade pacts such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership. In fact, all local agriculture is in the spotlight as pressure mounts to increase local imports of overseas produce. Details here.

1 comment:

PinP said...

Bought some Canadian tomatoes in the supermarket yesterday; Sixty cents more than the ones from Mexico; Another clear reminder that the globalists/free marketeers are winning. Their system actually encourages the movement of food across continents, pissing out deadly carbon fumes all the while. When are we going to realize that the epidemic of "free trade" agreements which parties of all stripes are clamouring to approve, will only increase this misguided behaviour and carry our planet ever-closer to the brink of oblivion? Who do they (the mega-food corps.) think they're kidding? This system comes at horrendous cost to ordinary people like you & me, paying untold billions through our taxes the cost of upkeep of airports, highways, bridges and all the rest. Not to mention, the relentless march of climate change and all that implies for future generations. As Naomi Klein might say, capitalism is now at war with all life on earth. Sorry, folks. She's right!

Canadian pipeline giant TC Energy closely connected with incoming Trump administration

Investigative Journalism Foundation Family members, former colleagues among connections unearthed by IJF investigation. Story here.