While Japan faces an increasingly severe climate crisis, agriculture is undermined. Rice, symbol of the country, suffers from the disruption of seasons, extreme temperatures and the increasing rarity of labor. Fortunately, an unexpected tropical fruit could restore hope to farmers: the lawyer.
The lawyer, star of Mexico and soon queen of Japan?
The image may surprise. Long considered exotic, lawyer, Mexico star food, could become a new Japanese specialty. The prefecture of Shizuoka, traditionally recognized for its citrus fruits, notably the Mikan, sees more and more farmers experimenting the culture of lawyers to try to survive. The reason? Global warming widens the areas conducive to its culture in Japan.
Faced with increasingly unstable agricultural conditions, the lawyer appears to be an opportunity to seize for farmers. Not only does he answer a growing Japanese consumer demandbut it could also become a profitable alternative for producers in difficulty.
Aids to develop the culture of the lawyer
Aware of the potential, the Shizuoka prefecture has decided to take action. Last April, she launched a law support program for the lawyer. Next to 18 million yen was allocated to research agronomic and the development of guides of good practices.
The objective is to train a new generation of Japanese avocado trees within three years.
This bet on the future shows the will of the local authorities to anticipate climate change, while offering farmers a sustainable diversification track.
Why lawyer?
The choice of the lawyer is not by chance. Its consumption explodes in Japan Since the 2000s. Qualified as “superfood”, rich in fibers and vitamins, he has conquered the plates, sushi with tartin from breakfast. In 2020, the country imported nearly 80,000 tonnes of lawyers, mainly Mexico. The cultivation of lawyers inside the country will therefore respond to a very present demand.
By cultivating locally, Japan hopes to reduce its dependence on imports while responding to a growing market. Lawyer in place of rice? Not necessarily, but they could well complement each other.
A risky bet for the future
Be careful all the same, if hope persists, the bet is still far from being won. THE Japan remains exposed to harsh winters. A sudden drop in temperature could destroy an entire harvest. Specialists estimate that a drop of only 6 degrees is enough to lose an entire harvest. In addition, embarking on this new culture represents a substantial investment for farmers.
In recent months, the lawyer has embodied a daring bet. But at a time when Japanese agriculture is looking for a second breath, it could well be a golden opportunity to finally stabilize agriculture out of breath.