Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the second Thematic Meeting of the Industrial Competitiveness Council at the Prime Minister's Office.

During the meeting, discussion took place on the review of the agricultural management and income stabilization measures and the review of the system of rice production adjustment, among other matters.

Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,

"In order to turn the agriculture, forestry and fishery industries into attractive industries, it is important to create an environment in which people with a business management mindset can succeed. We will carry out an overall review of existing measures, including regulations and subsidies, and fundamentally reformulate policies to promote the independence of the agricultural industry.
Today we have received opinions from the private sector members of the Meeting on fundamentally reviewing the management and income stabilization measures and on abolishing the system of rice production adjustment, and I believe this will lead to the drastic alteration of the trend of past agricultural policies. These opinions are aimed at increasing agricultural revenues and profits through farmers managing their businesses with the perspectives of consumers in mind, and are indispensable to the agricultural policy of the Abe Cabinet.
It goes without saying that any radical transformation of policy, including the review of the system of production adjustment, which has existed for more than 40 years, needs to take into account the impact on farmers, among other items. Nevertheless, it is important that the policy shift is executed without fail in accordance with the schedule. I am determined to establish basic guidelines for agricultural policy that will remain firmly in place long into the future.
Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Hayashi has compiled a proposal regarding the direction of agricultural policy reform. Also taking into account today's proposal, I would like to ask that further reviews are conducted under the coordination of Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga. Based on those reviews, the Headquarters on Creating Dynamism through Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery Industries and Local Communities, the control tower for the agricultural policy of the Abe Cabinet, will compile a report.
I would like to create 'strong agriculture, forestry, and fishery industries' and 'beautiful and vibrant rural areas,' and turn agriculture into an industry in which young people can also be confident that they can carve out a future for themselves through their efforts and passion. I would like to ask for your continued cooperation to ensure that everyone in Japan can experience the achievements firsthand."