[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the 14th meeting of the Headquarters on Creating Dynamism through Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery Industries and Local Communities at the Prime Minister's Office.
During the meeting, the “framework for the reform of agricultural cooperatives and other organizations” and “state of discussions on the Basic Plan for Food, Agriculture and Rural Areas” were discussed.
Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said in his address,
“Agriculture is the very backbone of the nation. It has protected our beautiful Japanese homes and communities. At the same time, fundamental reforms to agricultural policy are a very pressing matter.
We must realize agriculture in which young people can utilize their passions and a competitive agriculture sector that is market responsive.
Thus far, the Abe Cabinet has put effort toward agricultural policy reform such as the creation of farmland consolidation banks and the reconsideration of the production adjustment system for rice. Furthermore, we have today made the decision that the three reforms of agricultural cooperatives, agricultural committees, and agricultural production corporations shall be carried out as a single reform in order to create an environment in which it is easy for motivated farmers to demonstrate their abilities.
Regarding agricultural cooperatives in particular, in order to increase the incomes of farmers, we will transition to a system in which motivated farmers and regional agricultural cooperatives work together, exercise creativity, and develop brand initiatives and projects overseas. From now on, farmers and regional agricultural cooperatives will play the leading roles.
To this end, we will eliminate the current Central Union system based on the Agricultural Cooperatives Act, and the Central Union of Agricultural Cooperatives will be made into a general incorporated association. In addition, agricultural cooperatives too will be required to undergo audits by certified public accountants. Through these reforms, I hope that regional agricultural cooperatives will grow to play an even larger role for the development of regional economies.
I hope to realize ‘strong agriculture’ and ‘beautiful and active agricultural areas’ through measures that include these reforms.
Concerning the new Basic Plan for Food, Agriculture and Rural Areas that builds on the grand design for reform of agricultural policies, I would like Minister Nishikawa to cooperate with relevant Cabinet members and further advance consideration toward a Cabinet decision.”