Descriptions:
The advance payment that each agricultural cooperative pays farmers for rice, the so-called “estimated amount,” was significantly increased for each commodity this year, and if retail stores agree to the increase, there is a possibility that store prices will rise. According to JA Zen-no Miyagi, the “estimated price” of new rice this year is 16,500 yen for the main Hitomebore variety, 16,800 yen for Sasanishiki, and 17,700 yen for Date Masamu, all higher than last year. That’s 4,500 yen more expensive. The estimated amount had fallen significantly, falling below 10,000 yen in 2021, but thanks to a significant increase this year, it has recovered to a level not seen in about 25 years. That could eventually lead to higher retail prices. From now on, each agricultural cooperative plans to decide on the “Producer Money Assessment” for advance transfer to producers based on the “JA Money Assessment”. Meanwhile, regarding the current rice shortage, JA Zen-no Miyagi says, “Once new rice from major producing regions becomes available, the rice shortage situation is expected to improve.”