Japan Feature Package Food Securıty

epa02127888 A Niigata University researcher tests the structure of a cooked rice grain at the university laboratory in Uonuma city, Niigata province, Japan, 20 April 2010.  The university is researching new ways to use rice. One major area of study is the development of rice flowerbreads. The researcher is looking for the best combination of rice strains torice breads that are both flavorfulhave good texture. In order to reduce Japan's dependency on food importsmake farming more financially viable, Niigata Universitylocal food producers are exploring new uses of rice, such as rice flour for bread baking. Food Security has become a global issue. Securing safesufficient food supplies to feed the world's growing populations while maintaining fertileirrigable agricultural land are issues for both developingadvanced countries alike. In 2010, ministerial leaders of APEC countries will meet for the first time ever to discuss these issues at the APEC Ministerial Meeting on Food Security, on 16-17 October in Niigata city in western Japan. Ranked lowest in food self sufficiency among 12 developed countries, according to a Japanese government study, Japan is able to provide only 40 percent of the calorie intact needs of its population. Niigata, the host of this APEC Food Security meeting, is home to Japan's most fertile rice producing region. This picture package focuses on recent efforts being made in Niigata to strengthen the economic viability of farming in order to boost Japan's self sufficiencyfood security outlook.  EPA/EVERETT KENNEDY BROWN