Japan faces a complex dilemma concerning its agricultural policy. While achieving food self-sufficiency is a stated national goal, often linked to national security and rural revitalization, the economic realities present significant challenges. Maintaining high domestic food prices through subsidies and tariffs protects farmers' livelihoods but inflates consumer costs and reduces the competitiveness of Japanese products in the global market. The cost-effectiveness of these protectionist measures is frequently debated. While some argue that the economic benefits of self-sufficiency – decreased reliance on imports and greater resilience to global shocks – outweigh the financial burdens of subsidies, others point to the significant opportunity costs. These costs include the potential for more efficient resource allocation in other sectors of the economy and the missed opportunities to leverage comparative advantage in international trade. Furthermore, the political landscape often complicates rational economic decision-making. Powerful agricultural lobbies can influence policy decisions, prioritizing the interests of a relatively small segment of the population over broader economic efficiency and consumer welfare. The level of political participation in agricultural policy debates also affects the outcome. While farmer organizations actively engage in lobbying and advocacy, consumer groups often have less influence, resulting in policies that may not reflect the preferences of the wider population. This imbalance can lead to a situation where the high cost of food security is borne disproportionately by consumers, impacting household budgets and potentially exacerbating social inequality. Balancing the competing interests of farmers, consumers, and the national economy requires careful consideration of economic efficiency, political realities, and the long-term implications of agricultural policy choices. A comprehensive policy should address both the economic and social aspects of food security, striving for a sustainable balance between self-sufficiency, consumer affordability, and the overall health of the national economy.
1. According to the passage, what is a major challenge in achieving food self-sufficiency in Japan?
2. What is a significant opportunity cost associated with prioritizing food self-sufficiency?
3. How does the passage describe the influence of agricultural lobbies on policy decisions?
4. What factor contributes to the imbalance in political participation regarding agricultural policy?