This paper analyzed the characteristics of rice stores with high sales of biodiversity-friendly agricultural products. Results of a postal questionnaire survey of Japanese rice stores selling ...biodiversity-friendly agricultural products (one or more of three rice brands) were used for analysis. Rice stores with high sales of biodiversity-friendly agricultural products were characterized by the following. They (1) started selling biodiversity-friendly agricultural products early on, (2) implemented various sales methods and sales channels aimed specifically at these products, and (3) cooperated in various ways with farmers engaged in biodiversity-friendly agricultural practices. Cooperation with farmers is important for successful sales of biodiversity-friendly agricultural products. Such cooperation includes efforts aimed at deepening a mutual understanding between farmers and rice stores (for example, inspections of production areas and the regular exchange of views), and the promotion of products (for example, signing transaction agreements, collaborative events, and joint development of products and brands). Through these diverse methods of cooperation, rice stores have established sales methods and sales channels aimed specifically at biodiversity-friendly agricultural products, thereby increasing their sales amount.
This paper analyzed the possibility that biodiversity conservation will lead to improvements in the unit sales price of agricultural products, in particular those resulting from “Ikimono Mark” ...practices. Results of a postal questionnaire survey of farmers groups around Japan were used for analysis. Multiple species were often indicated as the target for conservation, and in many cases, a combination of conservation measures was also implied. The total value of the sales amount of Ikimono Mark products was relatively low; however, products were often sold at a higher unit price compared to those of farmers in the region not carrying out Ikimono Mark practices. Among farmers selling at a higher unit price, there was a tendency towards the conservation of target birds as well as implementation of particular conservation measures (for example, flooding of rice fields in winter) and direct marketing to consumers. Setting of a conservation target and conservation measures is unique to Ikimono Mark practices, and should be taken advantage of when promoting resulting products. For this purpose, targeting of an attractive species for conservation and communication with multiple stakeholders are important.
In recent years, Paddy Field Dams have received recognition as a measure to alleviate flooding due to torrential rains. Paddy Field Dams have been in practice in several prefectures of Japan, namely ...Niigata, Hyogo, and Nara Prefectures. Various issues have come to attention when introducing Paddy Field Dams to rural communities, such as the discrepancy in valuation between beneficiaries (downstream communities of paddy fields) and practitioners (farmers and irrigation administrators), the framework for supporting farmers in their installation, operation and maintenance, and identification of strategic locations in the context of river basin management. The purpose of this study was to clarify perceptions and valuations of Paddy Field Dam functions by rural communities in Nara Prefecture, Japan, under the above-mentioned issues. Analysis was performed using the results of a questionnaire survey conducted in three districts of Nara Prefecture. In addition, a Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) was applied to estimate the economic value of a Paddy Field Dam. The results indicated that awareness of Paddy Field Dams was lower than expected. However, it was found that many respondents value their practice and expect them to reduce the risk of flood damage effectively. In addition, the results of the CVM analysis showed that the annual willingness to pay (WTP) per household was estimated at a median value of 2200 yen to 3000 yen, with an average value of 3600 yen to 5600 yen. The WTP tended to be higher for districts that had experienced flooding in the past.
The doublesex and mab‐3‐related transcription factor 1 (DMRT1) is involved in testis formation in a variety of vertebrates. In the teleost fish, Medaka, DMY/DMRT1Y on the Y chromosome, a duplicate of ...the autosomal DMRT1 gene, is characterized as a sex‐determining gene. We report here the characterization of the Xenopus DMRT1 genes. Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis revealed that X. laevis DMRT1 was expressed throughout the embryo during early development and was restricted to the primordial gonads after embryogenesis. Whole‐mount in situ hybridization analysis of the gene confirmed its specific expression in the primordial gonads. To study the transcriptional control of DMRT1 gene expression, we isolated the predicted promoter region of X. tropicalis DMRT1 using databases for this species. Analysis of transgenic tadpoles with a green fluorescence protein (GFP) reporter showed that approximately 3 kb of the 5′‐flanking sequence of the DMRT1 gene was implicated in DMRT1 expression in the primordial gonads. We also showed that the C‐terminal region of DMRT1 functioned as a transactivation domain in cultured cells, by a luciferase reporter assay using fusion proteins with the DNA‐binding domain of GAL4. These findings suggest that DMRT1 functions as an activator of one or more genes involved in sex determination or gonadal differentiation.
This study sought to clarify the views of local residents regarding measures to develop university-regional cooperation, with a focus on the purchase and use of locally produced agricultural ...products. A questionnaire survey was sent to local residents and the responses were analyzed. The ordered probit model results revealed that several factors characterized the views of local residents regarding the purchase and use of locally produced agricultural products, including gender, past and future involvement in cooperation, reasons for evaluating cooperation, and related knowledge.
This study sought to clarify local residentsʼ evaluation and expectations regarding university-regional cooperation, based on a questionnaire survey targeting residents in regions rebuilding after ...the Great East Japan Earthquake. The questionnaire survey was mailed to 1,500 residents of Kawamata, Fukushima Prefecture and nearly one-third responded. Covariance structure analysis was performed to clarify local residentsʼ evaluation and expectations regarding university-regional cooperation between the town of Kawamata and Kindai University. Although the number of respondents who had been involved in past university-regional cooperation was small, there was a certain degree of recognition regarding past university-regional cooperation matters. In addition, the number of respondents who positively evaluated the university-regional cooperation and those who anticipated future university-regional cooperation was large. The analysis results revealed a tendency for recognition to increase with experience. Similarly, the higher the recognition, the higher the evaluation, and the higher the evaluation, the higher the expectations. In the future, it will be necessary to further verify the effectiveness of cooperative measures for university-regional cooperation in areas rebuilding after the Great East Japan Earthquake.
The purpose of this study was to clarify characteristics of municipalities that use agriculture-related specialty goods as thank-you gifts for furusato nozei (hometown tax donation program ...implemented by the Japanese government). An analysis was performed based on the results of a postal questionnaire survey of municipalities. Approximately 60% of respondents used agriculture-related specialty goods as thank-you gifts for furusato nozei and approximately 70% expressed a willingness to use agriculture-related specialty goods as thank-you gifts for furusato nozei in the future. The results of logistic regression models showed that several factors, including staff assignments, promotion measures, and financial capability index, are characteristics of municipalities using or expressing a willingness to use agriculture-related specialty goods as thank-you gifts for furusato nozei.
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