Agricultural co-operatives have no reason to be afraid of the open market pressuresif their members remain united and respond to the needs ofthemarket.
The unity of members is the strength of the cooperative business. The pillars of strength of the Japanese agricultural co-operatives consist of, among others: amalgamation of primary co-operatives;restructuring of JA organization from three-tier to two-tiers to generate greater efficiency in management and provision of services; farm guidance to ensure higher productivity with due consideration for environment; better-living activities in association with the women’s associations;continuous policy dialogue with the government;acceptance and application of farm technology; and
dissemination ofinformation and technology amongfarmers in Japan and abroad