The agriculture ministry in Japan has initiated a scheme to apply eco-labels on vegetables that are produced in a manner reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting biodiversity conservation. These eco-labels, which will be visible on both product packaging and promotional materials, are designed to inform consumers about the environmental efforts involved in the production process, thereby promoting a shift towards a sustainable food system.
The initiative covers 23 products such as tomatoes and cucumbers. Producers are required to calculate their "contribution rate" towards lowering greenhouse gas emissions, which is determined by their daily use of pesticides, fertilizers, and fuel. The eco-label awards a grade between 1 to 3 stars, indicating the level of greenhouse gas reduction efforts, with more stars signifying higher reductions.
Agriculture minister Tetsushi Sakamoto stated, "We aim to convey producers' endeavors in minimizing environmental impact, thereby empowering consumers to make informed choices."
Source: japantimes.co.jp