N-4. Input of Synthetic Agricultural Chemicals (per 10 ares [approximately 1/4 acre] of Open Field Vegetables)
1.Current Values
3.1kg / 10a (year 2000)
2.Current Points (out of a perfect score of 100 by 2050)
33 points
Calculation method:
(Current value minimum value) / (2050 target
value minimum value) x 100
3. Explanation of Indicator
Synthetic agricultural chemicals have
contributed to the dramatic post-war improvement
in agricultural productivity in Japan. However,
parts of these agricultural chemicals dont
break down and instead adhere to the crops, remain
in the soil, enter the atmosphere or run off into
streams and rivers. Due to an increase in such
health issues as atopy and low reproductive function,
people are demanding secure and safe food, soil,
and water.
We have chosen this indicator because we believe
that reducing the use of agricultural chemicals
as much as possible and increasing organic farming
using only nutrients (fertilizers) obtained from
nature will be of importance in the coming years.
4.Target for 2050
Approaching zero
5.Ideal for the Future
Approaching zero
6. Rationale for Ideal and Target Values
Due to a registration system for agricultural
chemicals and to agrochemical residue standards,
their use is restricted to levels that are safe
for humans, but since they are chemosynthetic
substances not occurring in nature it is inevitable
that they have an adverse impact on the physiology
of wildlife such as insects, fish, and birds in
addition, of course, to humans. The ideal value
and target for the year 2050 are both approaching
zero because the input value should be as low
as possible from the standpoint of the precautionary
principle.
7. Source
Ministry
of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan
Environmental Investigation of Agricultural
Production Input Amounts by Produce
Related information:
Conservation
of Ground Environment, Ministry of the Environment
8. Notes
Because there was no data for 1990,
figures were estimated by transferring the volume
of agrochemicals shipped. (refer to Ministry of
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan Agrochemical
Corner Transferring Agrochemical Production
and Shipping
http://www.maff.go.jp/nouyaku/
sorry Japanese only)
Volume went from approximately 510,000 tons in
1990 to 340,000 tons (decreased to 67% ) in 2000.
Assuming provisionally no change in input area,
we have estimated the input volume for 1990 to
be 3/2 of the 1990 volume, or approximately 4.6kg.