Japanese Ministry Requests 50.2 Billion Yen for FoodTech: Strengthening Startup Mass Production Support

The Japanese Ministry of Agriculture requested 50.2 billion yen for FoodTech-related initiatives in its budget proposal for fiscal year 2027. The government previously indicated plans for 9.7 trillion yen in public-private investment in FoodTech as of June 2026, with this budget request focusing on four key areas: plant factories, land-based aquaculture, food machinery, and novel foods.

Support for startup mass production will be strengthened, with expanded budgets to support transitions from technology development stages to implementation stages. The ministry also added fermentation-based alternative proteins and microorganism-based production of useful substances in its Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Research Innovation Strategy 2026 announced in July.

The establishment of the FoodTech Strategy Promotion Group in the Minister's Secretariat on September 11 is expected to enhance policy support infrastructure and accelerate business expansion across various stakeholders from startups to major corporations.