On October 8, 2014, Professor Hidetaka Kawano, Dean of the Graduate School of Management and Economics, Aomori Public University, gave us a lecture entitled “Controversial TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership) and Effect on Agriculture in Aomori”.

　The present agricultural situation in Aomori is facing problems, such as aging, decrease of successors, reduction of the subsidy, and the remarkable rise of the oil price. We often hear the news about TPP, but will TPP be good or bad to Japan?

　TPP is argued among specialists in various fields. It’s not good to argue emotionally, so arguments should be based on concrete test calculations. After being debated among specialists, it should be explained to the people. The Cabinet Office, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry have made test calculations, and they are being discussed among researchers and experts now.

Agriculture in Aomori has big possibilities. The average income of residents in Aomori has risen in recent years. The agriculture based on global management is expected to develop.

Professor Shunsuke Sasaki, Department of the Regional Frontier, Aomori Public University