Zenbeihan Launches Call for Proposals for FY2026 Pre-Sowing Contract Support Program on May 27

Zenbeihan (National Rice Wholesale Cooperative), a nationwide organization of rice wholesalers based in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, led by Chairman Motohiro Yamazaki, has begun accepting applications for the FY2026 'Initiatives for Needs-Based Pre-Sowing Contracts,' a project subsidized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, starting Wednesday, May 27, 2026. This project supports the expansion of 'pre-sowing contracts,' where producers, collectors, wholesalers, and end-users discuss and agree on quantity, price, quality, brand, and delivery methods before the rice is sown. The support targets new contracts or the expansion and deepening of existing contracts for the 2027 rice crop and beyond. A pre-sowing contract is a mechanism to finalize terms before planting. Since rice is typically harvested once a year, supply-demand fluctuations have long-lasting impacts on distribution. In recent years, changes in dietary habits, population decline, and climate change have increased the importance of this mechanism to reflect end-user needs in production and ensure stable supply. For producers, it provides income predictability and facilitates investment planning. For collectors and wholesalers, it helps secure supply and align production with market demand. For end-users, it ensures the procurement of rice that meets their specific requirements. The project supports establishing stable supply systems, developing and promoting products using pre-sowing contract rice, and developing or improving equipment for such production. The subsidy rate is either a fixed amount or up to 50%, with a maximum of 10 million yen per project. The application deadline is Friday, July 3, 2026.