March 2011 Earthquake, Tsunami and Fukushima Nuclear Accident Impacts on Japanese Agri-Food Sector

Abstract

The paper presents findings of a large study on socio-economic impacts of the March 2011 earthquake, tsunami and Fukushima nuclear disaster on the Japanese agriculture and food sector. It contains fourteen parts: introduction with the framework of analysis; a brief description of events and their overall social, economic and environmental effects; assessments on affected farms and agricultural resources; progress and challenges of restoration of agricultural communities, lands, infrastructure and businesses; assessments of impacts on food industries; analysis of radioactive contamination of agri-food products; evaluation of the effects on markets, consumers and international trade; analysis of effects on food regulation and inspection system; estimates on farms and agri-businesses damages from the nuclear accident; assessment of overall impact on farms and agricultural resources; assessment of overall impact on agricultural productions; assessment of overall impact on agricultural output and income; assessment of overall impact on farm economy; and conclusion with lessons and recommendations.