Fukushima Prefecture is a nationally important source of agricultural products and seafood (CNN)

[jpak]

Japan's radioactive food found in major local producer

The Fukushima prefecture, or province, is just to the northeast of Tokyo. According to the prefecture's website, Fukushima plays an important role in supplying food, not only to Tokyo, but also to the nation. The prefecture is Japan's fourth-largest farmland area and ranks among the top producer of fruits, vegetables, rice, tobacco and raw silk. The favorable climate lends itself to an active agricultural industry that includes livestock farming.

The website also states that the prefecture's 159 kilometer-long coastline is home to a thriving fishing and seafood processing industry, and the area's haul of fish is among Japan's largest.

Neighboring Ibaraki prefecture supplies Tokyo with a significant amount of fruits and vegetables. Ibaraki is the largest producer of Andes melons in Japan, according to the prefecture's website, as well as the country's third-largest producer of pork.

The impact on rice production in the area is also a source of concern. Rice is Japan's largest crop. Rice paddies account for 55% of Japan's farmland, and about 85% of the 2.3 million farms in Japan plant rice annually. While the value of the rice industry relative to the national economy has declined in recent years, rice production is culturally significant and an important part of Japanese heritage. Fukushima prefecture contributed 4.5% of Japan's total rice production in 2010. Ibaraki prefecture is the country's second-largest producer of Koshihikari,a gourmet variety of rice.

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[Teaser]

1. yes, Japan's food supply is going to be impacted

that's the crisis as it unfolds over the next few weeks.

[al_liberal]

2. Not anymore Bob. n/t