For Japan Farmers, Radiation Fears Mean Economic Pain
28 March 2011
Chiyoko Kaizuka weeds her spinach field last week in Moriya, Ibaragi prefecture, Japan
This is the VOA Special English Agriculture Report.
Japan's nuclear crisis may mean greater demand for imported food and less competition from Japanese products on world markets. But it also means that Japanese farmers and others who make and sell food have to worry about their future.
Yasumichi Tanaka sells fish at one of Japan's busiest fish markets. But now there are fewer fish to sell.
YASUMICHI TANAKA: "Fish supplies from the radiation-contaminated regions have been totally halted."
The radiation is from the Fukushima nuclear power station that was damaged by the March eleventh earthquake and tsunami. The extent of the problems are still not clear.
Last Friday, China joined a number of other countries that have banned imports of food from the affected areas. Chinese media said the banned items include milk products, fruit, vegetables and seafood.
Singapore also has a ban in place. Restaurant manager Connie Hon says some people are worried about eating Japanese food.
CONNIE HON: "Consumer confidence is yes, somewhat shaken I would say amongst some of the Singapore populace, but that can't be helped, I think."
The United States has also banned foods from radiation-affected areas, and so has the Japanese government itself.
最新
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25