cuj-jr-150 (pdf) Japan Resources No 150: Special Issue

Biological Diversity & Organic Farming
2010 is the Year of Biological Diversity and here in Japan, we are preparing for the United Nations conference in Nagoya in October, 2010. In this special issue of our English newsletter you will find articles about experts and activists in Japan and from abroad with much to teach us about biodiversity and sustainable farming methods. We also publish a special two part interview about why “old” style vegetables taste better, the importance of healthy seeds, and the concerns associated with F1 hybrids and especially genetically modified organisms.

Feel free to download the pdf file and print it for your library.

- Editors

Contents:
Biodiversity in Focus: Christine von Weizacker visits Japan
Organic Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery Project Based on Humus: Notes from a Lecture by Uozumi Michio
Interview with Noguchi Isao: The Future of the Seed of Life
Japan Citizens’ Network for Planet Diversity

MOP5 Shimin Network

  12 years of campaigning for more domestic soybeans in Japan

Soybean Field Trust Movement: Nationwide Meeting in Shinjo, Japan 

Press Release: Conference Declaration 

Today, we have returned to Shinjo City in Yamagata Prefecture 12 years after the Soybean Trust Movement was launched here in this wonderful furusato (rural) environment. The Soybean Trust Movement responded to the appearance of genetically modified soybeans that were imported from the United States. The aim has been to raise awareness among both farmers and consumers regarding how we can jointly raise Japan’s low self-sufficiency rate. Over the past 12 years we have made every effort to make safe soybean foods available to all consumers, who could appreciate the homegrown soybeans without any worries or concerns. In addition, we recognize that the bond between farmers and consumers has been strengthened, showing the way to the future of food in this country.　 More »

cuj-jr-149 (pdf) Japan Resources No 149

The plum blossoms are in full bloom in Waseda, Tokyo this week, and we are enjoying warm weather after the winter chill with snowfall. Here is our English newsletter. We have been busy together with groups in other countries to oppose the introduction of genetically modified wheat, and our survey shows that no Japanese wheat importers are interested in GM wheat. We also take a moment to remember Urano Hisako, who passed away in December 2009. 

Feel free to download the pdf file and print it for your library.

- Editors

Contents:

Press Release: GM Wheat
Survey: Japan’s Wheat Importers Reject GMO
World Social Forum 2010
In Memory Of Urano Hisako
GM Rice And Contamination Cases
New GMO Food Additives