SAKI'S SUSTAINABLE DAILY - VOL. 17 – Borderless Creations

Hello!
I'm Saki, a Borderless Creations Ambassador!

Today, I'm diving into the "real numbers" behind "organic" - a term we often hear but rarely understand deeply. Let's explore the question: "How does Japan compare to the rest of the world?" and "Is organic really spreading?" Let’s have a look at the numbers together!

Note: The data is primarily based on surveys from 2022.

<01> Global Organic Farmland Reaches 96.4 Million Hectares!

Let's start with a global perspective! According to 2022 research, global organic farmland is an impressive 96.4 million hectares! While this represents just 2% of the Earth's cultivated land, it's nearly three times larger than it was 15 years ago. Wow!

In some European countries, organic farmland covers:

🇦🇹Austria: 23.4%

🇪🇪Estonia: 19.6%

🇸🇪Sweden: 19.2%

Europe is truly amazing - no wonder it's considered the organic pioneer region!

<02> Japan's Organic Farmland: 0.7%

So how about Japan?

Organic farmland area: Approximately 30,000 hectares
Percentage of total farmland: 0.7%

Compared to Europe, you might think, "What? Less than 1%?" But actually, this is 1.5 times larger than ten years ago (2012)! I've been noticing more "organic" sections in local supermarkets, showing a steady expansion!!

<03> What About Our Neighbors: China and South Korea?

Let's check out the situation in neighboring countries:

🇨🇳 China

Organic farmland area: Approximately 2.9 million hectares
Percentage of farmland: 0.5%

🇰🇷 South Korea

Organic farmland percentage: 4%
Since 2021, Seoul's elementary and high schools have introduced 100% organic school lunches!

China ranks 4th globally in organic farmland area, and South Korea is actively promoting organic agriculture through national policy. Japan, too, hopes to ride this wave and expand organic farming!

<04> Per Capita Organic Consumption

Comparing annual per capita organic spending across countries:

🇨🇭 Switzerland: About 40,000 yen

🇫🇷 France: About 17,000 yen

🇺🇸 United States: About 16,000 yen

🇯🇵 Japan: About 1,400 yen

Wait, what? The difference is huge! Of course, comparing directly is challenging due to varying living costs, but these numbers clearly show that organic products aren't yet widely purchased in Japan.

<05> What Can We, as Consumers, Do?

You don't need to go all-in on organic - starting small makes a big change!!

Increase organic food purchases (even just one item!)
Promote organic food in public facilities like school lunches
Buy directly from local organic farmers (like vegetable subscription services)
Participate in local organic farming events

By directly supporting organic farmers, it is likely that you'll become part of an information network and community exchange, potentially joining a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture)!

<06> Shopping is Voting

Japan's organic penetration rate might still be low. But the future of agriculture can dramatically change depending on how each of us spends our every yen. Each small choice to "buy" supports producers and expands our future options. If we can transform organic from "something special" to "a daily option," we'll create a safer, more secure world for everyone.

Today's single purchase could be the first step in voting for our planet's future 💚

References:

https://www.jona-japan.org/qa/

https://www.maff.go.jp/j/seisan/kankyo/yuuki/attach/pdf/index-142.pdf

https://kokocara.pal-system.co.jp/2024/06/24/organic-school-lunch/

https://www.maff.go.jp/chushi/seisan/kankyo/attach/pdf/yuuki_forum_R4-3.pdf

https://www.jona-japan.org/qa/

https://www.jetro.go.jp/biz/areareports/2021/d64243ba5a1c4fcc.html

https://www.alic.go.jp/joho-c/joho05_000833.html