The potato, a staple food in many cultures, made its way to Japan in 1601 via Dutch ships from Java. Known locally as "jaga-imo," it has become a key part of Japanese agriculture and cuisine, particularly thriving in Hokkaido's favorable climate.
Japan’s Potato Production Landscape
Japan's stringent import restrictions on fresh potatoes, aimed at preventing agricultural diseases and ensuring food security, mean that the country relies entirely on its domestic production. Each year, Japan produces around 2.4 million tons of potatoes across 79,700 hectares. While potato farming spans all 47 prefectures, Hokkaido leads with nearly 80% of the total production, thanks to its cold climate.
MIYOSHI GROUP’s Legacy of Innovation
Founded in 1949 by Yukio Miyoshi in Tokyo, MIYOSHI GROUP has been a leader in agricultural innovation. The company is known for its work with ornamental flower seeds, strawberries, and wasabi plants, and for pioneering plant tissue culture in Japan. In 1968, they began mass-producing virus-free plants and became the first large-scale distributor of plug plants in the country.
The Challenge of Genetic Diversity
Japan's strict policies on seed tuber imports have led to limited genetic diversity in potato crops, creating a challenge for farmers seeking quality starting materials. The growing interest in true potato seeds (TPS) as an alternative is gaining traction, promising disease resistance and better viability.
Government Support and Future Prospects
The Japanese government is currently evaluating the registration and import of true potato seeds. These seeds are disease-free and pose no threat to existing crops or native vegetation, but their introduction requires a new framework involving the government and industry stakeholders.
MIYOSHI GROUP is actively testing these new systems among various farmers in its network. The company is eager to explore new varieties with enhanced resistance to late blight and other pests, providing better options for farming communities. “We know the development of these new varieties will continue at a fast pace. We understand hybrid breeding and the advantages it has over traditional breeding methods, as we have already seen this in the flower industry and other food crops. In just a few years, we know Solynta will have new varieties ready with resistances to nematodes and other pests and diseases. That’s a powerful position to have, and we are glad to be involved at this early point in time”, President Miyoshi concludes.
A Promising Future
Japan's journey with potatoes, marked by historical significance and innovative practices, is set to enter a new era. With the introduction of true potato seeds through the partnership between MIYOSHI GROUP and Solynta, the future of potato farming in Japan looks resilient and sustainable. This collaboration promises to solve long-standing issues, with quality starting material, ensuring a brighter future for one of Japan’s essential crops.
Partnering with Solynta for a Sustainable Future
To tackle the issue of quality starting material, MIYOSHI GROUP has partnered with Solynta, a Dutch company specializing in hybrid potato breeding and true potato seeds. Together, they are introducing true potato seeds to Japan, aiming to establish a new potato value chain. Current field tests focus on assessing these seeds' resistance to late blight, a major threat in northern Japan.
A Vision for Reduced Chemical Use
By introducing more resilient potato varieties through this partnership, MIYOSHI GROUP aims to reduce the heavy reliance on chemicals to combat late blight. This initiative is not just about immediate benefits but also about securing the future of potato farming in Japan.
"We like to look ahead, not only at the coming years but also towards the more distant future of potato farming in Japan," President Miyoshi of MIYOSHI GROUP stated. "We are impressed with the innovation of Solynta; growing potatoes from true seeds offers us the possibility to choose the best road to market in our regions; from growing potato by direct sowing the seeds to raising and transplanting seedlings from true seeds."
