As potato harvesting reaches its peak in Hokkaido, Japan’s largest potato-producing region, the government is advancing plans to allow imports of fresh potatoes from the United States, a move that has stirred concern among local farmers.

Masayuki Masuhara, a potato grower in Niseko, Hokkaido, began harvesting danshaku potatoes in mid-September on his 3.5-hectare farm. While the government emphasizes stringent safety measures to prevent the introduction of diseases and pests with U.S. imports, Masuhara remains apprehensive about the risks. “There is no such thing as 100% safe,” he said, highlighting the potential threat to not only potatoes but also other vegetables grown in rotation, such as tomatoes. Masuhara expressed worry that an outbreak could render his fields unusable, referencing historical instances of pest infestations.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries recalled that white potato cyst nematodes, a harmful pest, were detected in Abashiri, Hokkaido, in 2015, with some fields still affected over a decade later. Masuhara questioned whether the government would assume responsibility if such damage were to affect his farming operations.

On September 18, the ministry conducted a nationwide online briefing detailing the identification of 21 pests and diseases present in U.S. potato shipments that could pose risks to domestic agriculture. The briefing also outlined the government’s intentions to initiate discussions on conditions for lifting the existing import ban. Agriculture Minister Kazuo Yana, speaking publicly during his inauguration press conference on the same day, stated he would handle the issue with caution and rely on scientific evidence to guide decisions.

Despite government reassurances, local agricultural organizations remain opposed to the plan. Isao Tarui, head of the Japan Agricultural Cooperative’s Hokkaido Chuo branch, reiterated his strong disapproval at a press conference in mid-September. He emphasized the importance of maintaining stable local potato production over permitting imports that could jeopardize the region’s agricultural industry.

As the government moves forward with discussions on revising import restrictions, the concerns voiced by Hokkaido’s farmers underscore the challenges of balancing trade liberalization with the protection of domestic agriculture.