Japan has been conducting regular annual surveys and detailed reports on various genetically modified (GM) crops for nearly two decades since 2006, studying GM crop cultivation sites and comparing samples of crops from these areas with non-GM crops of the same species growing nearby to ensure no cross-contamination.
Major crops that have been under study include soybean and rapeseed.
However, despite having seen consistently positive results of minimal-to-no cross contamination between GM and non-GM crops over the years, public scepticism has remained high, and recently culminated in concerns over ‘accidental spillage’ of GM crop seeds affecting local crops.
“We have surveyed multiple GM rapeseed and soybean crop sites [over the years], and for FY2023 the results were similar to FY2022 in that no situation was found where the modified genes spread to related species with which they could potentially be crossed,” Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) said via a formal statement.
“A total of 65 colonies of GM rapeseed were growing in the sites but their growth range did not expand over time, whilst hybridisation rates were within [expected norms] whereas no GM soybeans were found to be growing or affecting nearby wild soybean plants.
“Therefore, there is no risk of local biodiversity being affected by these GM crops [and] for this reason, even if the seeds of approved GM crops happen to be accidentally spilled during transportation, it is considered unlikely that there will be any impacts on biodiversity.
“MAFF will however continue to investigate these crops present in Japan, namely rapeseed, soybean, corn and cotton, in order to confirm this in the long term as well as address any public concerns.
“These crops are being imported into Japan in large quantities as feed, edible oil and raw materials for processed foods, [so our investigations] will focus on the areas surrounding the ports of importation.”
Opening up to GM
The perception of GM products in Japan has been very divided for many years, with the government having to tread carefully around the topic as many local consumer groups have voiced clear opposition against these.
That said, it appears that the government may be moving a little more aggressively to open up the market further after having provided over 15 years of positive scientific data to little progress – this started with the announcement of labelling regulations regarding GM foods in 2022, indicating more standardised governance of the industry.
In separate documentation published earlier this year discussing domestic and international conditions regarding GM crop acceptance, MAFF highlighted greater global cultivation of GM crops and its role in increasing the safety of the local food supply regarding these, indicating further acceptance moving forward.
“The area of land cultivated with genetically modified crops around the world has been increasing every year, mainly for corn, soybeans, cotton, and rapeseed - In the future, it is expected that more new GM crops will be cultivated and that this cultivation will grow in developing countries,” said the ministry.
“In addition, the amount of genetically modified crops traded internationally and the number of countries cultivating them are increasing, which has led to active international discussion and more acceptance – including in Japan which, as an importing country, is making efforts to ensure the safety of these crops.
“MAFF has strict protocols in place [to protect the local food supply] – for instance, bringing in unapproved GM crops without prior notification is considered a violation of local laws and violators may be subject to fines of up to JPY500,000 (US$3,095).