Browse Data and Analysis

France, as a member of the European Union (EU), generally follows EU directives, regulations, and obligations. This report focuses on food laws in force in France that cover areas which are not EU harmonized.

France's agricultural biotechnology sector is constrained by strict regulations and public opposition, despite the scientific community's support and the growing interest in NBTs. The dialogue on agricultural innovation and food security is evolving, driven by climate change and geopolitical factors, but significant challenges remain.

On December 17, 2024, Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) invited public comments on a revision to the Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS) for Chicken Eggs and Meat by Sustainable System.

On December 17, 2024, Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) invited public comments on a revision to the Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS) for miso (fermented soybean paste seasoning).

Mandarin production in Japan continues to decline because of high summer temperatures, in addition to a decreasing number of farmers and planted acreage. Such factors are not anticipated to markedly increase citrus imports from the United States...

In 2023, total sales of Japan’s hotel, restaurant, and institutional food service industry (HRI) increased by approximately 16 percent compared to the previous year, reaching $226.2 billion. The surge in international tourists contributed to these...

In 2023, the agri-food market in France was still impacted by inflation, recorded at 3.8 percent. Price increases most severely impacted the lower income strata of society and cut into their ability to purchase. Many consumers are still moving away from big brands to less expensive distributor brands.

France is the world’s leading tourist destination. Revenues are exceeding pre-covid standards since France earned 126 billion in 2023 due to foreign tourism. Commercial catering remains the dominant sector in the HRI industry, holding a 58 percent market share and generating a turnover of $73.3 billion, reflecting a 9-percent increase from 2022.

This report provides the latest status of consumption, regulation, public perception, research, development, production, government policy, and use of agricultural biotechnology in Japan. In general, Japan uses a science-based process for evaluating and granting approval for import and production of genetically engineered products.

In 2024, Japanese oil refineries have continued supplying ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE), which is made from approximately 824 million liters of bioethanol and reflects the annual target volume set by the Government of Japan (GOJ).

FAS/Tokyo projects that Japan's fluid milk production will decline in 2025, primarily due to a decrease in the milking cow population anticipated from 2024.

This report lists major export certificates required by the Japanese government to export food and agricultural products from the United States to Japan.