農村の高齢化に伴う農作業問題 農業・農村の高齢化の動向と技術開発に関わる課題

Abstract

In this paper, we focus on the reciprocal relation between farm size and the aging of farm operators from the standpoint of securing stable supply of foods. Farm operators aging is advancing very speedy. Between 1990 to 2000, the proportion of the farm population over 65 increased by 8 percentage points, on the other hand, that of operators over 60 increased 22 percentage points. Most farms consist of family farms. Therefore if the farm size is small then aged member has to have responsibility for main farm works. According to the 2000 Census of Agriculture, every farm of any size has at least one farm family member aged 60 years or over who engaged in farm works. In other side, it is hard for each farm less than 3-5 hectares to have at least one operator aged less than 60 who are engaged in farm works mainly. This suggests that it depends on size of farms for grain farming that how many farm operators can follow farm works, or operators less than 60 can replace the aged ones. This means the factors to prevent extension of farm size become the factors to promote aging of farm operators, as well. And then, it becomes important for securing the stable food supply, namely securing operators who play main rolls in grain farming, that we give priority to technology development such as help to extend the farm size, support to develop the advantage of farms in the upper size groups.