In a sign of renewed faith in Fukushima's vegetable growing industry, the operator of a major Japanese fast food chain have agreed to source their produce from the area.
Yoshinoya Holdings has announced plans to grow onions and cabbage on a site outside Fukushima, under a joint venture with local farmers.
Consumers have shied away from produce grown in areas surrounding the Japanese city since an earthquake and tsunami caused a reactor meltdown at a local power plant in 2011.
This led to a significant drop in the price of produce grown in Fukushima, returning large farm gate losses for the region’s growers.
Yoshinoya hopes its investment in the region will assist with the recovery process.
“We will employ local people,” Yoshinoya said in a press release. “We think this will lead to support for reconstruction.”
Production will be based in Shirakawa, close to 100km south-west of the power plant.
While Japan imposes stringent food safety legislation, Yoshinoya has guaranteed the produce will comply with all standards.
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