The Japanese government is expected to approve a ¥545bn (€4.6bn) support package for its department of agriculture this Friday, according to the USDA. The money will be targeted at supporting recovery in the food, agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors in the wake of COVID-19.

Just under ¥200bn (€1.73bn) will be targeted at tourism, transport and food service events, with a “Go to eat” campaign giving ¥1,000 (€8.63) to consumers when making a booking and a 20% discount at participating restaurants.

Livestock farmers and dairy manufacturers will receive ¥90bn (€820m) from the fund for a range of supports

There will also be a ¥140bn (€1.21bn) promotion scheme for Japanese produce, targeting industry groups with higher stocks or those having to take reduced prices. School lunch programmes, farmer markets and the development of take away products are covered by this.

Livestock farmers and dairy manufacturers will receive ¥90bn (€820m) from the fund for a range of supports, the largest of which is a Wagyu beef storage scheme, which will receive ¥50bn (€431m). Beef calf producers in a producer group who cannot sell their calves will receive a payment of the equivalent of €4.75 head/day and €4.32 for beef breeds.