Fukuoka Prefecture’s wheat harvest has reached its peak, with 2026 production expected to remain at around 57,000 tons, unchanged from the previous year despite rising demand for domestic wheat. Fukuoka ranks second nationwide in wheat production after Hokkaido and is one of northern Kyushu’s major growing regions. Agricultural officials said demand for locally produced wheat continues to grow, but aging farmers, labor shortages, and rising production costs are making expansion difficult. Some producers have reduced wheat cultivation or shifted entirely to rice farming because of the increasing financial burden. To improve efficiency, JA Yanagawa began operating a new large-scale grain storage and drying facility in May, consolidating existing sites and increasing drying capacity. Industry representatives said maintaining production will require stronger support measures and efforts to improve long-term farming conditions. Source: TVQ News / Nikkei
Photo: Fukuoka Now (For image purposes only)
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