Crop Diversification in the Asia-Pacific region - United Nations in ...

7. CONCLUSIONSThe Japanese socio-economic system, thus far pursuing material wealth under rapideconomic growth, is now at an important turning point as the new century is approaching.With increasing public awareness of limited global resources, environmentalproblems and possible food crises, people around the world are now beginning to reassesstheir values and lifestyles and develop new values and a civilized way of life with greateremphasis on harmony, coexistence, health, and comfortable and peaceful living. Food,necessities for our "daily living and life", and agriculture and rural areas, fundamentals forfood production, are also being viewed in a new light, and expectations are growing as totheir roles as the basis for our safety and security.In response to such growing expectations, the Basic Law on Food, Agriculture andRural Areas, as promulgated and enforced on July 16, 1999, thoroughly reviews the post-waragricultural policies under the Agricultural Basic Law and sets up a new policy makingscheme under the new principles. This new Law should be a guideline for policy making onfood, agriculture and rural areas in the coming century. Governments at all levels (national,local and municipal), farmers, consumers and any other relevant parties should work togetherunder the proper role sharing to implement specific measures developed under the new Law.59