Vol. 22 No. 2 October 2004
NEWS
Domestic

MAFF to Adopt Tender System for Government Marketed Rice Purchasing
Food Self-Sufficiency Stays at 40% for a Sixth Year
Interim Summary of Discussions on New Basic Plan: Proposal That Direct Payments be Limited to "Core Farmers"
MAFF Senior Personnel Changes Effective August 9, 2004
International
Japan, China and South Korea Agree to Unify IC Tag Standards
Japan-US BSE Working Committee Submits Interim Report
WTO General Council Agrees Negotiating Framework; Discussion of "Tariff Ceilings" Postponed
Topics
MAFF Survey Finds Generation Gap in Consumption of Fruit
Environment, Science and Technology
MAFF Working Towards Practical Development of Methane Gas as a Fuel
Food Marketing and Distribution
Japan Steps Up Marketing of Rice in Taiwan
MAFF to Take Lead in Promoting Traceability of Agricultural Products

COMMENT
The Need for the Review of the Basic Plan for Food, Agriculture and Rural Areas to Take Account of Local Conditions