#Japan #Tokyo #Agriculture #Food Shift

New Award to Promote Cooperation in Food and Agriculture Initiatives

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan has officially announced the launch of a fresh award system entitled the "Food and Agriculture Connecting Award". The initiative is aimed at recognizing and awarding businesses and organizations that demonstrate outstanding efforts in fostering collaboration between various stakeholders within the food system, including producers, businesses, and consumers. This initiative aligns with the ongoing "Nippon Food Shift" movement, which aims to inspire the nation to rethink its food production and agricultural practices.

Overview of the Award

In accordance with the revised Basic Law on Food, Agriculture, and Rural Areas, enacted in 2024, as well as the new Basic Plan on Food, Agriculture, and Rural Areas decided by the Cabinet in April 2025, there has been a clear call for improved mutual understanding and cooperation among stakeholders in the food system. The "Food and Agriculture Connecting Award" serves as a recognition platform for these efforts. Starting from July 1, 2025, organizations involved in exemplary practices will be encouraged to submit their projects for consideration.

Application Eligibility and Categories

The Ministry is seeking applications across several categories aimed at recognizing the varied contributions to food security and agricultural innovation:

1. Food Supply Stability: This category seeks to honor organizations that have made significant contributions towards ensuring Japan's food security through initiatives such as private grain stockpiling and promoting domestic consumption.
2. Food Access: Organizations that have improved food accessibility for consumers through physical or economic initiatives will also be recognized in this category.
3. Sustainable Food Systems: This category will focus on businesses that have fostered reasonable pricing, human rights-respecting procurement, and nutritional improvements.
4. Development and Dissemination of Smart Agricultural Technologies: Businesses engaged in the development and promotion of innovative agricultural technologies that enhance productivity and sustainability are eligible under this category.

Application Requirements

To qualify for the award, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• - Must be registered as a partner of the Nippon Food Shift initiative.
• - Must not have received any administrative penalties due to violations of relevant laws within the past three years.
• - Must not have been convicted of any criminal offenses in the last three years.

Application Timeline

• - First Screening: Applications will be accepted from July 1, 2025, to August 12, 2025.
• - Second Screening: For those who pass the first screening, a second phase will run from September 1, 2025, to September 19, 2025. A detailed schedule can be found in the application guidelines.

How to Apply

Organizations interested in applying must submit the following documents:
1. An application form (for the first screening) which can be registered online here.
2. A project description form (for subsequent screening, provided upon passing the first stage).

Selection Process

The selection for the awards will primarily be carried out based on the submitted application forms using a written evaluation system. A committee composed of experts will assess the submissions using predefined evaluation criteria to determine the winners across the outlined categories.

• - Awards will include the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award, various departmental awards, and certificates of recognition for outstanding applications.

Recognition and Ceremony

A dedicated ceremony to honor the successful applicants is slated for November 2025, with further distribution of the award details and highlights available on the Ministry's official website.

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding the award, applicants can reach the Nippon Food Shift Secretariat within JTB Kasumigaseki Division at:

• - Address: 23rd Floor, Kasumigaseki Building, 3-2-5 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda, Tokyo 100-6051, Japan
• - Telephone: 03-6737-9261
• - Email: nippon-food-shift01★bsec.jp (replace ★ with @).

Note: Reception hours are weekdays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding weekends and holidays.

Special Website

For more information on the award, please visit the dedicated award site here.

This initiative encapsulates Japan's proactive approach to combine food production and consumption, with the hope of enhancing sustainability and community support in the agricultural sector.