Nov 26 (NHK) - The Japanese government has come up with measures to support domestic farmers and food makers who are facing increased competition from European rivals.
Members of a government task force approved guidelines for the measures on Friday.
Japan and the European Union reached a broad deal in July on an economic partnership agreement. Japan will establish a quota for European soft cheeses and will abolish the tariffs on them over a 15-year period.
Japanese cheese makers will be given support so they can produce raw milk at a lower cost. The makers' brands will also be promoted.
The government wants to create an environment where sake breweries and tea growers will be able to take advantage of the removal of the tariffs on their products in Europe.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says the EPA between Japan and the EU and the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal are the pillars of his Cabinet's growth strategy. He adds that the government hopes to achieve economic growth by implementing the measures.
