Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Unveils Outline of FY2026 Budget Request, Focusing on Future Growth and Sustainability
Tokyo, Japan – August 29, 2025 – The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) today released the outline of its budget requests for Fiscal Year 2026 (April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027), detailing a strategic vision to foster a robust and sustainable agricultural, forestry, and fisheries sector for the future. The announcement highlights a strong commitment to addressing contemporary challenges and seizing emerging opportunities within these vital industries.
The released document, titled “Outline of Budget Requests for Fiscal Year 2026 for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries,” signifies MAFF’s proactive approach in securing the necessary financial resources to implement key policy initiatives. While specific figures will be finalized through the budgetary process, the outline provides a clear indication of the ministry’s priorities and the direction of future investments.
A central theme emerging from the announcement is the enhancement of productivity and competitiveness across all sectors. This involves a concerted effort to promote the adoption of advanced technologies and innovative practices. Expect to see significant investments in areas such as smart agriculture, including the utilization of AI, IoT, and robotics to optimize farming operations, reduce labor burdens, and improve yields. Support for the development and dissemination of high-performance agricultural machinery and equipment is also anticipated.
Furthermore, MAFF is placing a considerable emphasis on strengthening the foundation of the agricultural sector. This includes initiatives aimed at fostering a new generation of farmers, supporting young entrepreneurs, and ensuring the stable supply of food. Measures to promote generational succession in farming households and to create attractive working environments within the agricultural sector are likely to be key components.
In line with global trends and national policy objectives, sustainability and environmental resilience are also prominent in the FY2026 budget request. The ministry is expected to allocate resources towards promoting environmentally friendly farming methods, such as organic farming and reduced pesticide/chemical fertilizer use. Investments in climate change adaptation measures, including the development of climate-resilient crops and infrastructure, are also anticipated to be a significant focus.
The forestry sector is also set to benefit from increased attention. The budget request is likely to include measures to promote the sustainable management of forests, enhance their carbon sequestration capabilities, and encourage the increased use of domestic timber. Efforts to revitalize rural communities through the development of forest-related industries and the promotion of forest tourism are also expected.
For the fisheries sector, the outline suggests a focus on securing a stable supply of marine products and promoting sustainable fishing practices. This may involve support for the modernization of fishing fleets, the development of aquaculture technologies, and measures to address the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems. Enhancing the safety and quality of fishery products and promoting their consumption are also likely to be priorities.
The release of this budget outline underscores MAFF’s dedication to ensuring food security, revitalizing rural economies, and promoting the sustainable use of natural resources. By strategically investing in these key areas, the ministry aims to build a resilient and prosperous future for Japan’s agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. Further details regarding specific programs and funding allocations are expected to be released as the budgetary process progresses.
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