A briefing session was held on procedures to lift the ban on imports of fresh U.S. potatoes, with explanations provided on pest and disease risks and consideration progressing on measures to address them. Meanwhile, Japan has asked the U.S. side to accelerate the import procedures.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries held a briefing session on the 18th regarding procedures to lift the ban on imports of fresh potatoes from the U.S. Officials explained the risks posed by pests and diseases and said that consideration would begin on measures to reduce those risks during the import process.
Participants repeatedly voiced concerns, including whether it would be impossible to eliminate pests and diseases completely. The briefing session drew many concerns about the import procedures.
Japan has also asked the U.S. side this month to accelerate the procedures. The situation was described as one in which faster implementation of the import system is being sought.