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Open Letter to EU: Request to Keep GMO Food Regulated and Labelled
4 March 2025
Consumers Union of Japan (CUJ) is a consumer organization working for food safety and biodiversity protection.
We call on the European Commission and European governments to protect food safety and the environment. We therefore oppose any attempt to exclude new genetically modified (GM) crops, such as genome-edited organisms, from the regulations currently in place for GM crops in the EU. To guarantee food safety and protect nature, the environment, and our freedom of choice, we call for support for mandatory biodiversity impact assessments, food safety confirmation, traceability, and labeling for all GMOs, including genome-edited organisms.
In Japan, since 2020, the Japanese government has successively accepted notification of genome-edited tomatoes, genome-edited horse mackerel, genome-edited tiger pufferfish, and genome-edited flatfish, and these products have been placed on the market. However, these products have not undergone safety screening or environmental impact assessment, nor have the food products been required to be labeled, simply because no genes have been inserted from outside. Consumers are therefore very confused, because even if we do not want to eat genome-edited foods, we cannot choose them based on the labeling. Consumers have the right to know how the food they eat and the food their families eat are produced. Consumers should have the right to avoid foods produced by genetic modification.
Consumers not only in Japan but also around the world are concerned about new GM crops, including genome-edited crops. We strongly urge you to support the mandatory confirmation of the safety, traceability, and labeling of all genetically modified organisms. Consumers Union of Japan urges you to take our views into account when you consider how to go forward with the regulations for new GM crops in the EU.
Background:
In July 2023, the Commission made a proposal to deregulate plants issued from new
genomic techniques (NGTs), which are currently regulated as GMOs in the European Union. Negotiations have proven difficult. The proposal made by the Commission suffers from important flaws, since the criteria for speeding up market access are not science-based, as pointed out by many non-governmental organizations and experts. It is crucial to adapt the implementation of the current GMO regulation in the EU to also apply to new GMOs such as genome-edited foods.
Open Letter (pdf):
Regarding the Seventh Strategic Energy Plan
Statement of Protest against the Government Decision on the Seventh Strategic Energy Plan
21 February 2025
Consumers Union of Japan (CUJ)
On 18 February 2025, the Japanese government approved its Seventh Strategic Energy Plan, which sets forth a return to a policy of promoting nuclear power generation.
The Sixth Strategic Plan for 2021 states that an important theme is to show the path of energy policy toward achieving carbon neutrality in 2050, and that renewable energy will be positioned as the main source of power and raised to 36-38% in the power source composition. Also, nuclear power will be reduced as much as possible, in line with the policy since 2014.
However, in the Seventh Strategy Plan, this phrase has been deleted, and the FY2040 power source composition forecast calls for the utilization of approximately 20% nuclear power plants. This justifies the resumption of nuclear power plant operations, which have been aggressively pursued during this period. It also further promotes the rebuilding and development of next-generation innovative reactors. A record number of 41,421 comments were received in the one-month public comment period that began at the end of last year, many of which were negative toward a return to the use of nuclear power plants.
The 2011 TEPCO Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident completely destroyed the so-called “safety myth” and also revealed that the accident was a “man-made disaster” caused by TEPCO management’s prior knowledge of the tsunami hazard and yet neglecting to address it.
After the Fukushima nuclear accident, the nuclear power plants that supplied nearly 30% of the nation’s electricity needs were completely shut down, but the absolute capacity of the facilities was sufficient and the demand for electricity was never interrupted.
The Three Mile Island accident, the Chernobyl accident, and the Fukushima Daiichi accident have all led to a common understanding around the world that nuclear power plants cannot coexist, especially in the earthquake-prone country of Japan.
The time has come for modern society, which has globalized in pursuit of economic growth based on the idea of supreme productivity, to clearly realize that the earth is finite. It is necessary to fundamentally review the mass-production, mass-consumption, and mass-disposal society itself. However, the new plan proposes the expansion of nuclear power plants on the assumption that the demand for electric power will increase due to the spread of artificial intelligence (AI) and other factors.
Now is the time for all of us to seek a way of living that is within our means based on a new paradigm, without placing economic growth as the highest priority.
In Japan, a power shift is spreading through various local initiatives. Through the power of local communities, the shift away from nuclear power and toward natural energy is steadily progressing in Japan, albeit belatedly.
Consumers Union of Japan (CUJ) strongly protests the government decision on the Seventh Strategic Energy Plan, which promotes a return to a policy of promoting nuclear power generation, and demands that it be rescinded.
Japanese text here
More background information in English from CNIC here
Quote: “The fuel for nuclear power is uranium. Currently, uranium is obtained from conventional uranium mines, but the number of mines producing uranium at low cost in particular has been decreasing year by year (the amount of verified uranium reserves with an excavation cost of 40 US$ or less per ton declined from 2.05 million tons in 2001 to 770,000 tons in 2021). We therefore estimated the future uranium situation, given confirmed reserves of 7.92 million tons as of 2021, if this declaration to triple nuclear power is implemented (assumptions being that total installed capacity of 393 GW, annual uranium consumption of 63,000 tons, installed capacity tripling by 2050, during which growth is linear and second-order uranium supplies such as MOX are provided, based on World Atomic Energy Association data). The results showed conventional uranium running out in the 2070s.”
Japan Resources 196
Please click here for our latest English newsletter (pdf): JR 196
Contents:
From the Editors: New Year, New Challenges
Surprise, Shock and More Worries: Japanese Consumers React to New Zealand Regarding Genetically Modified Foods
Background from GE Free New Zealand
Label All Genetically Modified Foods!
Regarding Japan’s Basic Plan for Food, Agriculture and Rural Areas
PARC Documentary Film: “Amazon DSP Drivers-The Hidden Cost of Free Shipping”
CNIC: Report on Radioactive Cesium Concentrations in Seawater
From the Editors: New Year, New Challenges
Consumers Union of Japan is currently looking for new staff and would like to hire qualified people with an interest in consumer issues. It turns out that it may be easier said than done. We have a long history as an independent NGO and depend on our members and volunteers, as well as the sale of our publications.
We also realise that many young people cannot survive on a small salary, even if the work is attractive.
It is a challenge, but we intend to pass on the baton to the future generation. We hope you will stay tuned to our campaigns and join us as we keep up the good work…
– Editors
“We Like Natural Food from New Zealand”
Surprise, Shock and More Worries: Japanese Consumers React to New Zealand Regarding Genetically Modified Foods
Japan imports a lot of food including but not only your sweet kiwi fruit from New Zealand.
We depend on all kinds of nutritious crops as we balance the benefits of international trade
agreements with the problems they cause to farmers here, and our domestic food
production, which often have consumers doubt safety rules and standards. Consumers
Union of Japan has protested against the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the
Comprehensive and Progressive Trans Atlantic Partnership (CPTPP) that New Zealand is
also a part of.
We have been told that farmers in New Zealand share our concerns about GM foods: the
severe safety issues, and the lack of concern for farmers’ rights (such as patenting rules).
There is also the general feeling that biological diversity is a major concern, that seed and
seedlings are not adequately protected, even by the Convention of Biological Diversity or
the Cartagena Protocol, which needs to move faster on so-called “Synthetic Biology”.
We, Consumers Union of Japan, along with many co-ops and community organizations
around Japan, have been fighting hard to avoid genetically modified foods from entering
Japan. We demand mandatory labelling and of course, better legal rules to deal with
genome-edited or “New Genetic Technologies” (NGTs) or “Precision Breeding”.
We like natural food from New Zealand, without the hubris and unreasonable claims that
we do not believe will be realised. We are surprised and frankly quite shocked that anyone
in New Zealand would imagine that its food (or drink, like NZ wine that is quite popular
here) would get a boost from GM technologies.
“We hope you will remain a stable, wonderful and natural food exporter. Do not
underestimate the old saying, the customer is king, and please keep New Zealand GM-
free,” says Mrs. Michiyo Koketsu, CUJ Secretary General.
Opinion Letter Regarding Japan’s Basic Plan for Food, Agriculture and Rural Areas
Regarding Japan’s Basic Plan for Food, Agriculture and Rural Areas:
Following the revision of the Basic Law on Food, Agriculture and Rural Areas in May 2024, work is underway to revise the Basic Plan for Food, Agriculture and Rural Areas. The Basic Plan is an important medium- to long-term guideline for agricultural policy. This Opinion Letter will be submitted by Consumers Union of Japan to the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries during February 2025.
Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Mr Taku Eto
Consumers Union of Japan
Co-Chairperson Ado Kameyama
Co-Chairperson Miyoko Sasaki
Co-Chairperson Martin Frid
Opinion & Demands on the Revision of the Basic Plan for Food, Agriculture and Rural Areas
We are a consumer organisation working for a safe and secure life.
The Government of Japan is currently considering revisions to the Basic Plan for Food, Agriculture and Rural Areas. This is an important document that will shape agricultural policies for the next five to ten years, following the 2024 revision of the Basic Law. We call for the consumer/citizen perspective to be emphasised in the Basic Plan.
We have argued that food and agriculture should be valued for their importance to life and the environment, based on the idea that food is not a commodity. However, as a result of the expansion and liberalisation of imports of agricultural products and food, Japan’s food self-sufficiency rate has declined significantly. This has caused not only the decline of domestic agriculture, but also major problems in terms of food safety and the environment.
As food prices soar and shortages become more serious worldwide, it has become clear that the agricultural policies of the past, which were import-dependent and focused on efficiency, cannot protect food. Based on this, we urge you to reflect the following in the revision of the Basic Plan.
1. Regarding the policy targets set out in the Basic Plan: Please publish the Progress Report every year and deliberate on it in Parliament.
2. Regarding the aim to achieve a food self-sufficiency ratio (on a calorie basis) of 45% by 2030, please include specific measures for local production for local consumption and domestic production for domestic consumption towards 50%.
3. Clarify the targets and measures to be taken by 2030 to increase the number of farmers (number and type of farmers), the area of farmland and the utilisation rate of arable land compared to the current level.
4. Diversify the definition of farmers to include small-scale family farms, dual-income farmers and subsistence farmers in line with local conditions, and broaden the base of those who are engaged in farming. In doing so, put a stop to the entry of companies that are not rooted in the local community. Also, develop a system that allows anyone, including urban residents, to get involved in agriculture, such as “Half Farmer, Half X”, “Citizen Farmer” and relief farming.
5. Clarify measures to promote local production for local consumption. In particular, for school lunches, basically all foodstuffs should be produced domestically, with the national average of locally produced foodstuffs to be more than 70% (currently approximately 60%).
6. Organic agriculture should be promoted on the basis of respect for life, without violating the laws of nature and without the use of modern biotechnological techniques.
7. Set a target for the promotion of organic farming of 5% of all farmland by 2030 (currently 0.6%). Also, support more municipalities to declare organic villages (currently 129). Furthermore, establish a new “Organic City Declaration” to enable urban municipalities to increase the supply of food produced by organic farming (including school lunches) in partnership with municipalities that have declared organic villages.
8. Strengthen comprehensive research, training and education to promote organic farming. Establish “Organic Farming Parks” (model farms, training, food and agricultural education, etc.) and “Organic Farming Extension Centres” (lending of farming equipment, consultation, seed holding, etc.) in each region.
9. Promote the use of organic produce in school lunches, with more than 20% of municipalities able to do so in the immediate future (currently around 200 municipalities). Aim for 100% for organic rice and 30% for organic produce.
10. Clarify the targets for the conservation of local varieties and seeds, mainly indigenous species, in each region and for the improvement of domestic self-sufficiency in seeds. Also, provide support for domestic production of organic seeds and set plans and targets for expanding supply.
11. Specify biodiversity and environmental protection measures. In particular, quantify the negative environmental aspects of agricultural production, such as the use of pesticides and plastics for agricultural materials, and set reduction targets. In addition, take action against pollution caused by the use of sewage sludge as fertiliser, the problem of biodiversity loss due to extended drying out of paddy fields to prevent methane gas, and the pollution of agricultural land with organo-fluorine compounds (PFAS).
12. Ensure food security for people with economic difficulties. In addition to support for food banks and children’s cafeterias, consider mechanisms that can provide direct food assistance to poor households. Establish a system ensuring food security for all, while also promoting regional and domestic agriculture.
13. Regulate the production and sale of lifeless food and technologies that alter genes in ways that deviate from the natural order of things, such as genetic modification technologies, genome editing technologies, radiation breeding technologies using heavy ion beams and “food tech”.