Alternative distribution systems for organic produce in Japan

Organic produce has been important to health conscious consumers in Japan, and the existence of appropriate distribution systems is a key for further development of organic agriculture. This thesis first clarifies the necessity of the alternative distribution systems for organic produce in Japan. The conventional distribution systems have not handled organic produce because of its inefficient distribution and there is low consumer interest.This thesis describes and defines two Japanese alternative distribution systems for organic produce, teikeis and Organic Food Specialized distributors (OFSDs). Teikeis are food distribution systems based on direct contracts between producers and consumers since the 1970s. OFSDs are entities that specialize in the distribution of organic, low-input, and natural foods, developed in Japan since the 1980s. Community shared/supported agriculture (CSA), a form of direct marketing of agricultural products that connect farmers and consumers, is more common in North America and is compared to teikeis.By using case studies of three teikeis and six OFSDs, this thesis illustrates differences between teikeis and OFSDs. Teikeis and OFSDs have different roles for consumers, producers and distributors, and the approaches, strengths and weaknesses are different.There are also conflicts between teikeis and OFSDs. This thesis elucidates the conflicts and recommends their resolution. The co-existence of both systems is essential, since it is preferable for consumers to have a choice between two systems.This thesis argues that teikei and OFSDs must improve their systems and adopt internal and external strategies for co-existence. Internal strategies include co-operation between teikeis and OFSDs, an improved efficiency in the teikei system and development of teikeis as a niche market. External strategies include land transformation and the protection of urban agriculture. This thesis recommends co-existence of teikeis and OFSDs for their further development of the alternative distribution systems of organic produce in Japan.