Food Prices Will Continue to Rise in Asia

The Daily Yumiuri, Editorial | May 20, 2008

Due to unilateral export restrictions imposed by grain producing countries, the Japanese government recently raised the price of imported wheat it sells to flour-milling companies by 30%. ++ The surge is expected to be passed on to the consumer soon. ++ Grain producers should provide a stable supply, if they want access to farm markets in other nations, and Japan should play a leading role in building consensus on WTO rules on grain export restrictions. ++ Eating habits of Japanese consumers need to change too, as food is being wasted.