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RSS FeedFor Japan Farmers, Radiation Fears Mean Economic Pain ?28 March 2011
Photo: APChiyoko Kaizuka weeds her spinach field last week in Moriya, Ibaraki prefecture, Japan Share ThisDiggYahoo! BuzzFacebookdel.icio.usStumbleUponRelated ArticlesDoctors Lack Many Ways to Treat Radiation ExposureJapan's Disaster Could Hurt Plans for Nuclear Energy IndustryJapan’s Early Warning System One of the Best in the WorldDesigning a Quake-Resistant Building Starts at the Soil Children at US School Show Their Support for Victims in Japan TO DOWNLOAD the MP3 of this story, click on the MP3 link in the upper right corner of the page. Double-click any word to find the definition in the Merriam-Webster Learner's Dictionary
This is the VOA Special English Agriculture Report.
Japan's nuclear crisis may mean greater demand for imported food and less competition from Japanese products on world markets. But it also means that Japanese farmers and others who make and sell food have to worry about their future.
Yasumichi Tanaka sells fish at one of Japan's busiest fish markets. But now there are fewer fish to sell.
YASUMICHI TANAKA: "Fish supplies from the radiation-contaminated regions have been totally halted."
The radiation is from the Fukushima nuclear power station that was damaged by the March eleventh earthquake and tsunami. The extent of the problems are still not clear.
Last Friday, China joined a number of other countries that have banned imports of food from the affected areas. Chinese media said the banned items include milk products, fruit, vegetables and seafood.
Singapore also has a ban in place. Restaurant manager Connie Hon says some people are worried about eating Japanese food.
CONNIE HON: "Consumer confidence is yes, somewhat shaken I would say amongst some of the Singapore populace, but that can't be helped, I think."
The United States has also banned foods from radiation-affected areas, and so has the Japanese government itself.
Radioactive particles travel in the wind and get absorbed into soil with the help of rain and snow. Then plant roots take up the material and the plants become contaminated. Animals eat the plants and their products become contaminated.
Some kinds of radiation stay in the environment longer than others.
Medical physicist Jerrold Bushberg is a radiation expert at the University of California, Davis. Professor Bushberg says removing the topsoil might make the land safe for use. But it depends on the depth of the radioactive material. And for now, he says, it is too early to take any measures.
Experts say the ocean will help dilute radiation in seawater. But the tsunami also destroyed seafood, sank fishing boats and leveled processing plants.
Charles Ebinger studies the politics of energy at the Brookings Institution in Washington. Mr. Ebinger says the danger to adults from radiation-contaminated food is overstated. Still, the affected areas of northeastern Japan are deeply dependent on agriculture and fish, he says. So their economy could suffer the most.
And that’s the VOA Special English Agriculture Report, written by Jerilyn Watson. You can download free transcripts and MP3s of all of our reports and other Special English programs at voaspecialenglish.com. I’m Bob Doughty.
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Contributing:? Mil Arcega
Listen? Email? Print? Comments?Comments (68)29-03-2011Johnny Lopes(Brazil)"some people are worried about eating Japanese food."All those problems that the japanese are suffering, and nowstill more one big problem, that can to change the economy of japan.In the begin, some peoples going to worry, but it's likely this situation going to change.I hope that not delay a long period.Good luck Japan.
29-03-2011Jack Iskandar(Indonesia)I am deeply sorry for the Japanese farmers. This is a very bitter moment for them. Can we do something to help them. They are in need for helps after the tsunami. I wish they can tell us what they want us to do to help them.
29-03-2011AmyWu(China)I think Japanese are STRONG, they can rebuild their homes. Why we just fine other energy? It's so danger, isn't it?I hope China also can give up the Nuclear Project.
29-03-2011C(Vietnam)Radiation contaminated food are dangerous. Now, radioactive particles are travelling around the world, and if it could reach the land and seawater by rain and snow, the world's extent of food security will be threaten. scientists and authorities should do something soon before it could become a new disaster.
29-03-2011Khin Thawda Win(Burma)I would like to discuss about safety land use for agricultural production at that place. How about ceiling the top soil and utilization of borrowed-soil for intensive agriculture under greenhouse condition. On the other hand for huge field soil is better kept under long-term remediation managements such as phyto, chemo and microbial remediation.
29-03-2011Simon Wong(China)I am afraid that the contaminated foods may be eaten by children which are more vulnerable than adults. Nuclear power is one kind of clean energy, but not safe enough, so we should use it more cautiously than before.
29-03-2011nguyen thi dao(Vietnames)try more Japanese, U will be stable soon!
29-03-2011Joruji(Japan)I understand the radiation fears, but I think the U.S. and a number of other countries are over-reacting, since Japan's food safety standard is high, and all the agricultural products have been strictly tested and inspected, before shipment.
29-03-2011Hayato Furuichi(Japan)As long as I'm in Japan, I don't come across with this kind of negative reports so much. Some media says the rest of the world are overworried about Japanese-grown vegetables and other food. In fact, today's top news of Asahi newspaper don't mention food safty. As you continue to have unneccessary fears, Japanese economy will suffer more damage. Or, Japanese government might be concealing crucial information from Japanese people.Anyway, It's only my personal opinion. I'm just 16 years.
29-03-2011teddy(korea)good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!
29-03-2011huaizer(Brasil)Thank you very much.This site is very important.
29-03-2011Ahmet AKTA?(Turkey)it is very usefull passage for us.
29-03-2011WinsorThank you, this means less bussiness for companies shipping Japanese food.
29-03-2011Yavuz(Turkey)sometimes nuclear energy is evil, It will take time to develope safer technology for the energy, we should be very careful for the nuclear power
29-03-2011Crystal(China)High technology such as nuclear power can make people live conveniently .But if something bad happens ,will people be able to do something essential to prevent bad things from happening? Scientists should have leant
29-03-2011J.u.l.i.a.n.a(Brazil)The radiation can affect health of thousand of japoneses. I am very sad why all happened suddenly. Japaneses must have too careful with plants, vegetables, milk and meat... I know that situation is sad, but I believe their force and capacity of fight and win the disaster.
29-03-2011Crystal(China)High technology such as nuclear power can make people live conveniently .But if something bad happens ,will people be able to do something essential to prevent bad things from happening? Scientists should have leant from these disasters to do best for humanbeing.
29-03-2011hopefulstar(VN)Radiation has a lot of serious effects on Japanese foods.It is not straightforward to tackle this issue.
29-03-2011aike(Japan)We know there is no “immediate” risk to human health. But nobody knows long-term effect of radiation on human body. Then Japanese government set extremely high standard for food safety. This standard is temporarily set and must be discussed more carefully in the near future.
29-03-2011Truong(Vietnam)I believe after each disaster, Japanese people will make more breakthrough in economy and continue to impress the world. I don't think the radiation-contamination food is a big concern. The best quality in the world is always a symbol of Japan. No matter what, I will continue to eat Japanese food.
29-03-2011atespk(vietnam)I hope Japnanese's people soon overcome this disaster. Let's people all the world prayer for Japan. Nothing impossible
29-03-2011alex hong(Viet Nam)We know your will is very strong in history. You must be optimisstic! Every thing 'll be fine.
29-03-2011mynhan(vietnam)It's not too early to take any measure.we have to consider a lot of good measure to prevent radiation-contaminated affect before it damages people's life more and more.
29-03-2011Jack(Thai)make it your best japan.
29-03-2011BESHR ELASER(egypt)an u help me to more listenng?
29-03-2011Maki(Japan)It's sad that due to some hearsays which includes right and wrong, overseas one-sidedly refuse our country's products. I understand that country's heads want to reassure their people, but as a Japanese national, I hope those foreigners collect and spread information accurately.
30-03-2011JeanI feel sad for people who are suffering from the radiation disaster. I want to show my deepest horror of nuclear energy. No carbon dioxide doesn't mean it is clean. The waste it produces is more terrible and still an unsolved issue. It is not cheap if we consider the risk, the cost and the destructive tragedies it might cause to our health and environment. I sincerely hope that all of the nuclear energy plans will be given up one day. We should have freedom from fear, shouldn't we?
30-03-2011Aung(Myanmar)I felt sorry for Japanese after read this article. All the best !
30-03-2011honghong(China)I am so ssory for the catastrophe in Japan.Although the nuclear energy is clean energy,it has a precondition that is it will not leak. So once it leaks, the result will be devastated.
30-03-2011sun(china)Yes, i agree with the goverment. Health care is the first thing we should consider. We needn't buy japanese food or products to help them through the hard times, we can help them through many other ways.
30-03-2011youyou(Japan)I'm a little surprised knowing that the people all aver the world are worrying about Japanese food. I haveb't worried about buying food even spinaches,as my town is far from the nuclear site. I watched TV carefully, and I'm sure the food being sold in the markets are safe. I'm a too optimist?
30-03-2011M@ki(Japan)2-1)We will need to proof the safety of foods. It's our duty. Then world would know how conservative food regulations we adopt. Although we just say "safety!! safety!!", it may difficult to be accepted. We're proud of the quality of Japanese brand. We only export the materials & foods which have been examined under strict regulations.
30-03-2011M@ki(Japan)2-2)If your country want to know the safety, we should examine them flexible, speedy, and transparently. After that, please compare yours to ours by measure, or taste. I'd like to say something to VOA. This article seems to drive reader more worried about our foods before being nothing done. This may be deleted if you can imagine how Japanese people feel now by this article.
30-03-2011Della(China)Although we don't kown if the information is true or not, I think it is better for us not to import the food from Japan. It is the best way for our country and our children.Maybe it's unfair for Janpan, we should be responsible for the citizens. And our country also donate money and food to help Japen come through difficulties.
30-03-2011K(Japan)Also in Japan, some people refrain from buying products made in the districts near the Fukushima nuclear power plant. In Kanto district(south of Fukushima)where in the water radiation has been detected, some people don't want to drink water anymore and buy many bottled waters.Therefore,in Japan,It is now difficult to buy them.However,It is, I think, over-reaction. The limit set by government is very strict and that standard presuppose coutinuing drinking or eating for a considerable long time.
30-03-2011khoa(hue.vietnam)this article is useful infomation for health!!!!!!!11
30-03-2011Minchul Shin(S. Korea)You guys gave me good information. Thanks~ and then I hope Japan will slove all problem from disaster.
30-03-2011Oleg Komarov(Russia)I have never been to Japan, but the Japanese people are our neighbors. I believe they are very strong and vigorous. They have one outstanding quality, in the minute of danger they can summon up like the one big family and overcome together all the difficulties. I always admired your culture and country. Good luck Japan!
30-03-2011KAWAI, Takanori(Japan)I think we should deeply think about the way of life.In Japan, nuclear power centers produce over 30% of the electricity. They are very cheap and useful, too much dangerous. We might wasted too much electricity.But I'm worried about chemicals more than the radiation for now.
31-03-2011KK(china)There if a chinese old saying"misfortunes never come sigly'Pray the world!
31-03-2011I am very sorry for the disaster that Japanese confronting.And I hope they can live through the pain as soon as possible.And I belive the have the vigorous.Form the disaster our country should thinking about how to use the nuclear energy safely.And develop the new energy instead of nuclear
31-03-2011Sok Chamroeurn(Cambodia)I do believe that Janpan is very strict on its products and safety before exporting. Other counties must take actions to prevent such disaster from their nuclear power plants. Japan is not the first country faces this crisis
31-03-2011Knight(China)When our country shipped the relief supplies to Japan, Japanese warships actually appeared in the vicinity of our Chunxiao Oilfield. Why?
31-03-2011Mickey(Thailand) 31-03-2011Tem(Thailand)I hope this disaster not took so long. In thailand, there are some people still eat Japanese Food And try to donate money for help Japan.
31-03-2011I don't like Japan ,it's a dangerous and crazy and sham country .but I also hope their people can avoid disaster.AND I suppose that the earthquake can be lead by nuclear explosions. so the Japan government have to take nasty machine.
31-03-2011Tom(China)Good luck to Japanese!!!!!!!
31-03-2011good luck japan!
31-03-2011Fan Yunfei(China)Try your best & Good luck to U，Japan！
31-03-2011thang cong(vietnam)we are always at your side Japan
31-03-2011Andrew(korea)I think Japanese goverment should do something for the people who suffering from radiation include people who depend on agriculture and fish.
31-03-2011KANG(KOREA)I hope everything is okay in japan. but i wonder if they comeover their situation. gambare japan!!
31-03-2011DanielThank you for giving information. But I don't care about radiation-contaminated. And I think Japan may be more nervous than other countries. Cheer up, Japan!
31-03-2011Bill Duque(Colombia)Japanese, you are great people, God bless every body.
01-04-2011Yu Jing(China)The catastrophe having struck Japan rings a bell that it is the very time to think about the meaning of being. What are we pursuing and why do us do so much harm to our Mother Nature? And with regard to measures taken by Japanese government, I don't think the government has done their best to deal with the nuclear troubles. What they has done gives me a bad impression that they are a group of the incapable. I really feel sorry for their outstanding Japanese citizens.
01-04-2011kim ji yun(KOREA)Good luck Janpan.
01-04-2011I hope as many countries as possible will help Japan to regain its strength.
01-04-2011Fanny(China)I appreciate and admire Japanese .When they face challenge ,they stay calm and unite together. I believe the life of Japanese will get better!
01-04-2011good luck japanese
01-04-2011Alex(china)When disaster comes,no matter how much scared it is,we should hold together to overcome it.because we are human whoes brightness to create civilization of several million history and constantly change the world day after day.Human is not easy to fight down forever.God please take my kind bless to the peoples whom have been suffering from soul but still full with positive for life in earthquke in Japan.
01-04-2011CEMIL(TURKEY)Japanese people are much admired for their making structures against the eartquake but last earthquake was very powerfull (9,0).They had not only violent earthquake, but olso tsunami ,then nuclear crisis.All of them destroy japanese economy and lives.?'m deeply sorry.Many countries have banned the import food from japan.
01-04-2011CEMIL(TURKEY).I think that primary problem is japanese people health now.? hope Fukushima nuclear power plant's problem will be corrected,therefore japanese will overcome step by step all problem.They can do it because they are very hard working and intelligent.All countries have to help them untill they succeed.I LOVE JAPAN. GOOD LUCK
02-04-2011M .Niazi(Afghanistan)we know earthquake and Tasanomi the Japan government and people give a huge economical destroy i not thinks which Japan authorities canceling about contaminate food with radiation radio active for all of their people and all of consumer in the world just cautious whine i eating these food .
02-04-2011EvelynI hope Japanese could overcome this serious problem. Good luck
03-04-2011hyun-jun(korea)I think that sunami's effect make many problems like economy, environment and etc in all over the world. I worry about what happens in my country after sunami take placed.
04-04-2011Naty(Colombian)i think, japan in jesuschrist (the Son of God) has the enough strengh to can rebuilt their own country, they showed it in the previous disasters, and i would like that japan understand that just in jesuschrist there are safety , they can create the most amazing wonders buidings against tsumanis or earthquake but in just a moment can fall down and become nothing like the buildings where was the disaster.
04-04-2011Naty(Colombian)Is my greatest desire that jesuschrist bless japan and give to their citizes the enough strenght to support this huge disaster, .... and i say to japoneses don't worry for the food, God (jesuschrist) feed the birds, and also will feeds of your, your are most important that a birds; ohooo .... and jesuschrist will work if your allow it !!!
04-04-2011Yao Yua-chao(Taiwan)Since nuclear power plants were found leaking radiation caused by earthquake in Japan, lots of heated debates have taken place in Taiwan about whether nuclear power plants should still exist. Chairperson of DPP advocated that building of nuclear power plant no. 4 should be continued, but not be used when it is built. I can not understand her logic.If not be used, why spend so much money to build it?
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