A special report just issued by the Rabobank Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory group indicates the consequences of the earthquake and tsunami to Japan’s agricultural and food industry could be dire. While the full impact of the earth quake and radiation are not yet understood, the report projects that food safety concerns and supply shortage will limit exports and cause imports to rise. The report notes more than a quarter of Japan’s domestic pork production, 18 percent of its beef production and 22 percent of its poultry production comes from areas impacted by the earthquake, tsunami or radiation from the Fukushima nuclear plant. In addition, cold storage has been compromised by electricity loss, which could lead to the need for additional imports. Japan estimates15 percent of its compound feed industry capacity was damaged.

Source: USGC Daily Update, April 12, 2011.