Market Information
Asia Pacific

A Step by Step Guide to Exporting  Forages to Japan

January 2001

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Market and Industry Services Branch
402 -303 Main Street
Winnipeg, MB
R3C 3G7

Prepared in collaboration with
Brandy Laycock
Marketing and Trade Officer

Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1. FORAGE INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

1.1 Manitoba Grown
1.2 Manitoba Seed Varieties
1.3 The Benefits of Forages
1.4 The Role of the Hog Industry

2. CANADA'S INSPECTION, GRADING AND QUALITY CONTROL SYSTEM

2.1 Hay & Straw Certification Program - Manitoba Forage Council Inc.
2.2 Manitoba Green Gold Program - Manitoba Agriculture
2.3 The Canadian Phytosanitary Certificate
2.4 Feed Testing Laboratories - Feed Analysis
2.5 Relative Feed Value
2.6 Moisture Content 

3. VALUE ADDED PROCESSING

3.1 Product form of Pellets and Cubes
3.2 Product Form of Bales
3.3 Alfalfa Meal and Pellets
3.4 Alfalfa Cubes
3.5 Compressed Bales of Alfalfa and Timothy Hay

4. FORAGE PRODUCTION

5. FOREIGN MARKET ANALYSIS - JAPAN

5.1 Market Profile
5.2 Dairy Production
5.3 Beef Production
5.4 Forage Production

6. PRODUCTS FOR THE JAPANESE MARKET

6.1 Alfalfa Pellets
6.2 Alfalfa Cubes
6.3 Baled Hay Imports
6.4 Feed Composition of Dairy Farms and Substitute Products

7. TRADE FAIRS AND MISSIONS

8. PREPARING THE PRODUCT FOR EXPORT

8.1 Financial Services
8.2 Product Suitability Export Requirements
8.3 Choosing a Distribution Channel
8.4 Pricing in the Japanese Market
8.5 Transportation
8.6 Import Regulations In Japan
8.7 Free Trade Zones
8.8 Import duty and Consumption Tax
8.9 Customs Brokers
8.10 Tariffs in Japan
8.11 Media and Advertising

APPENDIX

The Manitoba Forage Industry

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Forage production and marketing lends itself well to Canadian agriculture where traditionally specialty cash crops have been limited by our growing season, moisture conditions, temperature and soil type. When the industry experiences depressed commodity prices, high quality forages sold in the export market have provided an alternative source of income. As demand for farm diversification increases, forages may provide an excellent source of growth opportunity in Manitoba.

Japan, the United States and South Korea are some of our largest buyers. Though Mexico's economic importance is less, they too play an essential role in our export market. As market access improves in Mexico, one can expect to see a large growth potential there.

Entering the global market place is not always easy to do but, through research and hard work, the results may be very rewarding. Before going global, there are several questions you should ask:

• What are the potential markets?
• What does the consumer demand?
• What are the costs of production and transportation?
• What restrictions exist?
• What about regulations and documentation?

This book will provide practical information to guide you on your export journey.

FORAGE INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

Across Canada, more than 26 million hectares annually are set aside for ruminant grazing and forage production. Of those acres, approximately 15 million hectares are native range, 4 million hectares are pasture and around 6 million hectares are cultivated forages for hay and pasture. With Canada's cool, moist climate lending itself well to quality hay and forage production, it is surprising that off-farm hay sales represent less than 15 percent of total production.

Our reputation for quality forage products has allowed us to better position ourselves globally. With continued efforts, our export potential will grow. Nation-wide, alfalfa meal and pellets have been to date one of our largest export commodities with $41 million in sales being shipped in 1999 alone. However, as we have seen the demand for meal and pellets drop off, the hay market has stepped up to become our largest export market with $49 million in sales in 1999.

Manitoba's exports of alfalfa and hay have been typically the larger portion of our export market. From 1998 to 1999, alfalfa baled exports declined by 50%, while hay (not elsewhere specified) numbers rose from approximately 4,000 to 6,800 tonnes.

It should be noted that these numbers may be underestimated according to statistics reported by the importing countries. Alberta Agriculture's annual surveys also have shown larger quantities and export values. Part of this underestimation may be due to the fact that Canadian producers are not required to report exports of less than $2000.

1.1 Manitoba Grown

Manitoba's key forage producing regions exist in both North and Southwestern parts, as well as the Interlake, although production is scattered throughout the province. The excellent alfalfa and timothy produced, along with other forage crops, have been traditionally used for beef and dairy operations within the province. Of Canada's total tame hay production in 1998, Manitoba contributed 12.6 percent, which was up substantially from 10.2 in 1997.

1.2 Manitoba Seed Varieties

Numerous varieties can be grown in Manitoba. Alfalfa, alfalfa/bromegrass mix, and timothy are among some of the most common hay and forage crops produced. By consulting the "Seed Manitoba - Variety Recommendations and Growers Directory" published by the Manitoba Cooperator, the Manitoba Seed Growers Association and Manitoba Agriculture and Food, one can select the most appropriate variety for a given region.

1.3 The Benefits of Forages

Forage crops such as alfalfa can provide numerous agronomic and environmental benefits. Leguminous crops like alfalfa can provide substantial amounts of nitrogen, that can be broken down gradually and released over time. Nitrogen benefits of alfalfa can also be seen through nitrogen extraction up to 260 cm deep. Because of nitrogen fixation and breakdown, 71 percent of producers in Manitoba and Saskatchewan have indicated a yield increase in their traditional crops when forages are used in their crop rotation.

Studies have shown that after a two or three year stand of a forage crop in rotation, weed stands can also be significantly reduced. With less weed pressure, fewer herbicides are required. Forages can use water from lower depths than most typical crops because of the extensive deep rooted system.

For more information on the benefits of forages, check out this website: http://www.umanitoba.ca/faculties/afs/
plant_science/EXTNBLTN/agrif95.html

1.4 The Role of the Hog Industry

With almost 5 million hogs in the province, manure handling and disposal has become an issue. Public concerns have focused on the threat of E. coli and water contamination.

Forages can play a very important role when manure is applied in the appropriate manner, it can be an excellent source of fertilizer for crops. Different crops require distinctly different amounts of nitrogen. Forage crops like alfalfa can use substantially more nitrogen than most crops, especially cereals. Because they are deep rooted, they are capable of retrieving nutrients that would have otherwise been lost by leaching into groundwater.

As well, preliminary trials in Saskatchewan have shown that one application of hog manure may provide adequate soil nutrients for up to three years. The ammonium part of the manure, which is readily available to plants, is used immediately while the organic portion is broken down over the growing season and subsequent growing seasons. Generally, 30 to 50 percent of the nitrogen will be mineralized during the first cropping season with the remainder mineralized during future years.

2. CANADA'S INSPECTION, GRADING AND QUALITY CONTROL SYSTEM

Canada has been traditionally known for its top quality hay. However, in the past, there have been few standards put in place to ensure consistent quality. Since the export market requires quality and consistency, a few programs have been implemented to help producers meet the needs of their customers.

2.1 Hay & Straw Certification Program - Manitoba Forage Council Inc.

The Hay Certification Program is voluntary. Through the program, a producer arranges to have their hay certified by a trained, unbiased inspector. The inspector randomly chooses bales and visually inspects them to determine the species and mixture as well as colour, odour, foreign materials, etc. A sample also is taken from each lot to determine the chemical analysis. A "lot" is defined as hay that is of the same species, from within the same field, at the same stage of maturity, cut within the same 48 hour period. Smaller lots from the same field may be required if rain damage has occurred, or there is variation in soil, weeds or hay species within the same field.

Once the hay is inspected, it will be described according to several components, such as:

• leaf attachment
• stem size and texture
• percentage of grass or legume
• percentage of moisture
• crude protein
• calcium
• phosphorous
• total digestible nutrients (TDN), acid detergent fibre (ADF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and relative feed value (RFV)

Through the Hay Certification Program, buyers will be able to determine exactly what they are getting without having to see the hay first. Prices will also be established more appropriately when the quality has been accurately recorded. Once the hay has been certified, it can be placed on the Manitoba Forage Council's Certified Haylisting accessible via the internet.

For more information on the Hay Certification Program, please contact:

Manitoba Forage Council Inc.
123 Dickens Drive
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3K 0M1
Tel: (204) 889-5699 Fax: (204) 897-4086
Email: mfc@escape.ca

2.2 Manitoba Green Gold Program - Manitoba Agriculture

This program helps producers determine the best harvest date needed to maintain high quality forages. Manitoba Agriculture and Food, local producers and sponsors have been jointly developing this program for several years. Alfalfa fields are sampled in each region of the province two times a week throughout June. These samples are analyzed at Norwest Labs and the results are faxed back to Manitoba Agriculture and Food as well as the producers within 24 hours.

Through this program, it has been determined that most alfalfa fields reach the optimum 150 relative feed value (RFV) at the early to mid-bud stage. It has also been seen that the RFV drops an average of five points per day. For every year this program has been implemented, optimal harvesting dates have been recorded in order to reach 150 RFV. This date will vary from region to region, so it is best to contact your regional forage specialist. In order to reach 150 RFV, producers must cut the crop at 165 RFV because one can expect to lose about 15 points during harvest due to leaf loss and continued respiration.

The RFV is determined by a lab analysis that compares the acid detergent fibre (ADF) that indicates the forage digestibility, and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) that provides an indication of potential daily forage dry matter intake. RFV has become an industry standard for measurement with 150 RFV being optimal.

For more information on Manitoba's Green Gold Program, visit the website at: http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/news/
greengold/gginto.html

Contact your nearest regional forage specialist:

2.3 The Canadian Phytosanitary Certificate

A phytosanitary certificate is an official document issued by the plant protection organization of the exporting country to the plant protection organization of the importing country. It certifies that the specific shipment of the plants and plant products covered by the certificate are free from quarantine pests, practically free from other injurious pests and meets the importing country's requirements. With the completion of the document, including an authorizing stamp and signature, the responsibility rests with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and in particular the inspector.

For each importing country, the phytosanitary document may be different. Check with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for specific information at:

59 Camelot Dr.
Nepean, Ontario K1A 0Y9
Tel: (613) 225-2342
Fax: (613) 228-6621

or contact

Taras Happychuck, Mid-West Region:
613-269 Main Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 1B2
Tel: (204) 983-2200

In order to apply for the phytosanitary certification process, a copy of the relevant hay inspection report must accompany each application form (Application for Export Inspection and Phytosanitary Certification).

2.4 Feed Testing Laboratories - Feed Analysis

By providing a feed test and analysis of your forage or hay product, purchasers are able to more clearly determine the kind and content of the forage. A feed analysis will determine the moisture content, relative feed value (RFV), crude protein, phosphorous, total digestible nutrients, and others. Hay and Forage Grower, a publication made available to Manitoba Forage Council members, also provides a list of accredited labs in Canada and the U.S.

For U.S. labs, you can visit a website called A2LA at www.a2la.org/ . This website is the American Association of Lab Accreditation in the United States. They can also be contacted at Tel: 1-301-670-1377 or Fax at: 1-301-869-1495.

For a complete Canadian list, contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency at: www.cfia-acia.agr.ca or call: (613) 225-2342 or Fax: (613) 228-6621.

Locally there are a few Canadian Food Inspection Agency approved labs:

Norwest Labs Agricultural Services 203-545 University Crescent  Winnipeg, MB R3T 5S6

Enviro-Test Laboratories Complex (Saskatchewan Soil Testing Lab) University of Saskatchewan General Purpose Building Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W0

Central Testing Laboratory Ltd. (not SCC approved) 101-193 Dumoulin Street Winnipeg, MB R2H 0E4

 There are several components that are used to measure quality in hay. Quality is very important in the export market. Without consistently high quality product, our exporters may lose interest.

2.5 Relative Feed Value

Optimal relative feed values (RFV) can differ depending on your end market. For example, in the dairy industry an RFV of 150 is optimal. However, beef cow/calves or heifers may only require an RFV of 120. Knowing your market can be very important. Potential exporters also should be aware that timothy hay, unlike alfalfa is often valued more for its appearance.

There are several guides that can help you determine the optimal RFV, like the Manitoba Green Gold Program and Manitoba Agriculture and Food. See also a brochure called Marketing Your Cash Hay, a publication funded by the Manitoba Farm Business Management Council, and distributed by the Manitoba Forage Council (MFC) and Manitoba Agriculture and Food. PEAQ sticks, available through Manitoba Agriculture and Food and the MFC are also useful in determining your RFV.

2.6 Moisture Content

Moisture content is an important consideration for hay quality. Most foreign markets want a moisture content of 12 percent or less, while domestic markets will allow for between 14 and 18 percent depending on the bale size and density. Most processors require 12 percent, however dryers have eliminated this problem for many. When marketing hay, moisture testing using a Koster or microwave tester is very important. Probes are useful, but not always accurate.

Manitoba Agriculture and Food suggests the following process be used to measure forage dry matter:

• Weigh an empty paper plate.
• Put about 200 grams of hay on the plate and weigh it. Write down total weight.
• Put the plate and sample in a microwave oven with a cup of water. (It is important to have the cup of water.)
• Microwave on high for three minutes.
• Remove the plate and sample and weight them. Write down the weight.
• Put the plate and sample back into the oven and microwave on high for one more minute.
• Continue heating the sample at one minute intervals and weighing in between until the sample stops losing weight. Record the final weight.
• Now plug the numbers into the following formula:
  % of forage dry matter = Final weight of sample and plate minus weight of plate X 100%
  Original weight of sample and plate minus weight of plate

In the field for a general idea, you can also use this method:

• 30-40% Leaves begin to rustle and do not give up moisture unless rubbed hard. Juice can be squeezed easily from stems using thumbnail or knife or with difficulty by twisting hands.
• 25-30% Hay rustles. A bundle twisted in the hands will snap with difficulty, but should show no surface moisture. You can squeeze moisture from thick stems if you scrape them with your thumbnail.
• 20-25% Hay rustles readily. A bundle will snap easily if twisted. Leaves may shatter. A few juicy stems may remain.
• 15-20% Swathed hay breaks easily. A bundle will snap easily when twisted. Juice is difficult to squeeze out. Hay is close to being ready to bale.

(Chart published in Hoard's Dairyman, 1987.)

3. VALUE ADDED PROCESSING

Hay can be processed into a variety of forms, some of these include dehydrated alfalfa pellets, sun-cured alfalfa pellets, alfalfa cubes, and compacted bales. The specifications commonly used in Canada are as follows:

3.1 Product form of Pellets and Cubes

Typical nutrient specifications for the major alfalfa products are as follows:

These are typical specifications for Canadian Alfalfa Products (100% Dry Matter Basis).

3.2 Product Form of Bales

Hay is typically compressed into a 14" x 18" X 18" bale, weighing approximately 80 lbs, and banded with three to four poly straps. The densified bales are then loaded into 40 foot containers and shipped to an inland container yard, and moved to port by rail. Each individual processor may work with different sized bales, so it is best to determine the local requirements. Small square bales are most commonly used, however large round or square bales can also be rebaled.

3.3 Alfalfa Meal and Pellets

In 1996, alfalfa meal and pellets comprised one of the largest export markets for Manitoba. More recently, the market has dropped off and baled alfalfa and hay have stepped up to take the lead. In 1999 in Manitoba, approximately $31,000 of meal and pellets were exported, while Canada as a whole exported closer to $42,000,000 worth. Sun-cured pellet production has dropped the most substantially. Dehy pellets have dropped only slightly and are expected to rebound. In Canada, 32,400 tonnes of sun-cured alfalfa and 315,000 tonnes of dehy pellets were exported in 1998-99.

Dehydrated and sun-cured alfalfa pellets are the most common. These pellets are finely chopped and dried and processed into small pellets. Because of the processing, dehydrated alfalfa has a higher crude protein level and lower crude fiber than sun-cured alfalfa. The main processing difference is that sun-cured alfalfa is wilted before processing, while dehydrated alfalfa is dried fresh from the swath. Pellets must by dried to 8 percent moisture for optimal storage and shipping.

Japan has been by far the largest importer of Canadian alfalfa meal and pellets. In fact, we are the main supplier to Japan's pellet industry. The numbers have been gradually declining however. In 1994, 275,246 tonnes were exported, then in 1998 only 133,737 tonnes were exported. United States, South Korea and Taiwan are our next major importers. However, their imports from Canada have almost been cut in half over the same time period.

3.4 Alfalfa Cubes

Alfalfa cubes are coarsely shredded, field dried or high temperature dried alfalfa. The two most common sizes are 7/8" and 1". Canada supplies approximately one quarter of the Japanese import market, while the United States supplies around three quarters. Manitoba's exports, though minimal, have been growing over the past five years. Japan is consistently the largest importer of Canadian alfalfa cubes.

Manitoba's two alfalfa processors are:

• Alfalfa Products Ltd., located near Fort Whyte, is one Manitoba company that exports dehydrated alfalfa pellets to regions such as Hong Kong, South Korea, the United States, Japan and Taiwan.

P.O. Box 90, Fort Whyte
Winnipeg, MB R3Y 1G5
Tel: (204) 488-5059 Fax: (204) 489-2257
Contact: George Stilwell, Manager

• Coldstream Alfalfa Processing, located out of Dauphin, Manitoba, has also been an active exporter of dehydrated alfalfa pellets to the United States primarily. This company also produces a variety of other forage and hay products for export.

P.O. Box 337, Keays Industrial Road
Dauphin, MB R7N 2V2
Tel: (204) 638-3812 Fax: (204) 638-3963
Contact: Chris & Kathy Skuter

3.5 Compressed Bales of Alfalfa and Timothy Hay

Compressed hay has a bulk density of approximately 20 pounds per cubic foot or more, and is manufactured by mechanical or hydraulic compression from low density field baled forage in chopped, round or square bales. There has been a steady increase in exports of timothy hay to Japan from Canada. The United States is the second most important market for hay, followed by South Korea. The alfalfa hay industry has been maintaining production levels while timothy exports have risen significantly.

Manitoba's hay processors are:

Sunridge Forage Ltd.
Box 250
Russell, MB. R0J 1W0
Tel: (204) 773-2013 Fax: (204) 773-3137
Contact: Gary Halwas
 
Canadian Greenfield Forages Inc.
Box 155
Teulon, MB. R0C 3B0
Tel: (204) 886-2676 Fax: (204) 886-3722
Contact: Irvin Helwar
 
Lake Winnipeg Hay Company
Box 310
Fisher Branch, MB. R0C 0Z0
Tel: (204) 372-8600 Fax: (204) 372-6798
 
Chapman Bros. Farms Ltd.
Box 490
Virden, MB R0M 2C0

For more information on the Canadian processed forage industry, contact the Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Markets and Economics, Market Analysis Unit at www.agric.gov.ab.ca and request a copy of The Canadian Processed Forage Industry Report.

4. FORAGE PRODUCTION

Forage production for the export market is extremely different than typical forage acres. Foreign markets are looking for high quality product. "High quality" can be defined differently depending on the end market. It is particularly useful to select for your end market and understand their needs before you begin production. Several manuals have been published to walk you through from variety selection to weed control to harvest.

Manitoba Agriculture and Food has numerous fact sheets and books. You can access these directly by contacting your local agriculture office, or by visiting: http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/
crops/forages/index.html

Industry News is available by visiting:

http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/news/agmarks/agmarks.html
http://www.agric.gov.ab.ca
http://www.agr.gov.sk.ca

Other publications include:

• Seed Manitoba - Variety Recommendations and Growers Directory, Manitoba Cooperator, Manitoba Seed Growers Association, and Manitoba Agriculture and Food
• Forage Seed Production Manual, Manitoba Forage Seed Association
• Timothy Production Manual, Canadian Hay Association
• 2000 Forage Crop Production Guide, Saskatchewan Agriculture
• Alberta Forage Manual, Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development

5. FOREIGN MARKET ANALYSIS - JAPAN

5.1 Market Profile

In Japan, there are two main regions responsible for most of the cattle production. In terms of total cattle production, Hokkaido and Kyushu are very comparable in numbers, (Hokkaido 1,280,400 head; Kyushu 1,135,000 head). These two regions have 53% of the total cattle production. Total cattle inventory as of February 1, 1999 was 4.6 million head of cattle. Beef production is roughly 62% of total production, while dairy production is about 38%.

5.2 Dairy Production

The three regions at the northeast end are responsible for 75% of the total dairy cattle production. These regions include Hokkaido (866,900 head), Tohoku (164,400 head), and Kanto (290,900 head). The other large dairy region is Kyushu with 157,700 head.

5.3 Beef Production

Kyushu, at the opposite end of the island, accounts for 35% of the beef production with 977,300 head as of February 1, 1999. The three northern regions combined, account for 44% of production, with 413,500 head in Hokkaido, 441,300 head in Tohoku, and 370,600 head in Kanto.

5.4 Forage Production

The Japan Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) reported 1,040,120 hectares of planted forage and manure crops during the 1999 year. Of that total, 80% of production was in the form of a grass (836,390 ha). Soiling maize contributed 10%, sorgo 4%, and Chinese milk vetch 4%.

For grass production, Hokkaido was the number one producing region with 584,800 ha sown, Tohoku followed with 122,500 ha, and Kyushu with 64,900 ha. Hokkaido was also the number one producer for soiling maize (38,500 ha), Kyushu second (22,100 ha) and Kanto-Tosan third (17,800 ha).

Other forage crops that are used for livestock production include sorgo and Chinese milk vetch. Sorgo seems to be predominantly grown in Kyushu with 21,000 ha accounting for 47% of the total crop produced. Chinese milk vetch is grown in the Kyushu, Okinawa and Tokai regions (each having between 8 and 9,000 ha).

6. PRODUCTS FOR THE JAPANESE MARKET

6.1 Alfalfa Pellets

Currently, 90 percent of Canada's exported forage products go to Japan. Canada dominates the alfalfa pellet industry with approximately 94 percent of Japan's alfalfa pellet imports coming from Canada. In 1998, pellet exports amounted to 207,337 metric tons. The pellets largely serve the dairy industry, and are considered a useful feed supplement as the forage land in Japan is becoming limited.

Beet pulp pellets have become a competitive product, especially around 1998 when China tried to off-load their excess supply by dropping their price. Since the supply and prices have recovered, Canada has still shown few signs of increased exports of alfalfa pellets. France and Germany consumed a portion of our market with alfalfa pellets during that year as well.

The Hokkaido and Tohoku regions seem to be the most active users of alfalfa pellets, but the market has been relatively constant with no growth or a slight decline. Alfalfa dehy products are mainly used for their fiber content, though it seems bales have been replacing this market as importers search for long fiber. Bales also offer the purchaser the flexibility to visually inspect their product and know what they are buying, rather than trusting what has been used in making pellets.

6.2 Alfalfa Cubes

Canada's next alfalfa market is the cube sector. The sales potential is in the same regions as alfalfa pellets are sold. The same market restrictions have been expressed for cubes as with pellets. Generally cubes and pellets have been used in the same manner, have experienced similar marketing trends, and seem to be gradually replaced by bales for the long fiber. In 1998, Canada provided 25 percent of Japan's cubed alfalfa imports, while the United States supplied around 73 percent. In 1998 alone, Japan imported 588,000 metric tons of alfalfa cubes.

6.3 Baled Hay Imports

The largest supplier of baled imports is the United States with 88 percent of the Japanese market share, totalling 1,371,318 metric tons in 1998. As earlier mentioned, this part of the market offers the most potential as the Japanese market searches for long fiber as a supplement to their feed. Canada as a supplier only provides 6-8 percent of this market. Timothy hay accounts for just 7 percent of Japan's baled hay imports.

6.4 Feed Composition of Dairy Farms and Substitute Products

Feed costs consume around 43.1 percent of the dairy farming operation, with concentrate feeds being the most costly portion. Domestic self-supplied feed accounts for about one-third of feed costs and only 13 percent of the entire raw milk production costs. Nearly 70 percent of the self-supplied feed is silage, mostly maize or corn silage. However, from 1987 until recently, there has been a significant decline in maize production due to the labour intensity. Work is currently being done to develop a round baler for maize ensiling.

The recent trends have shown that purchased hay, mostly imported (though some domestic grasses are also used) have been approaching the percentage of silage used on-farm. The percentage of self-supplied hay and raw grass has been diminishing, along with tofu lees, as the import feed market provided a relatively inexpensive alternative, combined with the appreciation of the Japanese yen.

Tofu wastes in Japan are estimated at around 677,000 mt per year (1989) and about 70 percent of this amount is used as feed for cattle and swine. The lees retain a high level of nutrients, have a water content over 80 percent and have a high protein content, though they are difficult to handle. The cost however is relatively low. Forty-nine percent of the waste is given free as the manufacturers are otherwise required to pay a disposal fee. Often these wastes are mixed with beet pulp and or rice straw and packed into drum silos.

Beet pulp and rice straw also have played an important role in the Japanese market, though rice straw has been declining since the "disinfection of rice straw and hay" was included in the "Preventive measures taken against foot-and-mouth disease in Taiwan" that was implemented in 1997. Livestock in the Kyushu region had previously relied heavily upon this feed source. There are other reasons involved in the decline of rice straw used in Japan and those may be attributed to the labour intensity required for harvest and drying, the separation of rice regions and livestock regions, and the lightness of the straw (i.e. dry matter density can't be easily increased). Canada may be able to explore a replacement potential of this product with oat straw. Typically the rice straw has been used for Kobe meat production in order to marble the meat and lower the saturated fat content.

Of the forage crops produced in Japan, approximately half is prepared as silage in the form of wrapped round bales. With the frequent rainfalls experienced in Japan, it gives producers the option of quickly converting from hay preparation to silage preparation. It should also be noted that different regions of Japan, due to differences in soil and climate produce different forage crops. For example, while Fukushima prefecture grows lots of Italian ryegrass, Hokkaido doesn't due to the cold weather in the winter. Okinawa prefecture on the other hand, produces a lot of tropical and subtropical grasses and legumes. As many farms increase the number of cattle when converting to free-stall barns, there will be in increasing dependency on imported hay to make up for the shortage of roughage. Timothy as a forage is grown extensively in Hokkaido (around 400,000 tonnes of timothy per year).

7. TRADE FAIRS AND MISSIONS

Trade fairs are an excellent way to introduce your product to the foreign market, as well as for meeting important industry contacts. Below are just a few of the best dairy shows in Japan. Currently no forage or hay shows exist. Before displaying at one of these exhibitions, it would be a good idea to check the suitability of the show to your needs.

All Japan Holstein Show (AJHS) - held every five years (Nov.2-5, 2000) Contact: The Holstein Association of Japan (HAJ) Attn: Mr. Hironori Ohtomo, Administrative Section Tel: 81-3-3564-8221 Fax 81-3-3564-3688 Address: c/o Ohno Bldg, 1-19-8 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku Tokyo 104-0031

Annual Hokkaido Holstein Show (HHS) Contact: the Hokkaido Holstein Agricultural Co-operative Attn: Administrative Section, Mr. Masaya Tel: 81-11-726-3111 Fax: 81-11-726-3135

Contact the Japan Feed Trade Association (Several dairy shows held in individual prefectures) Attn: Mr. Morio Morisaki, Executive Director c/o Koizumi Bldg, 4-3-13 Ginza, Chuo-ku Tokyo 104-0061 Tel: 03-3563-6441

In addition, the follow associations may be helpful:

National Grasslands Research Institute Nishinasuno, Nasu-gun, Tochigi Pref. 329-27, Japan Tel: (81-287) 36-0111 Fax: (81-287) 36-6629

Japan Dairy Council JA Bldg. 1-8-3 Ohtemachi Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100, Japan Tel: (81-3) 3245-7621 Fax: (81-3) 3242-2423

8. PREPARING THE PRODUCT FOR EXPORT

Resource Planning

Depending on the level at which you want to export, your resource requirements may differ. You will specifically need to identify your production capacity (as an individual or a processor), the necessary equipment, materials or ingredients, labour, administration, marketing, translation services, storage, local representation in the foreign market, financial services, packaging and shipping capacity, and the time and cost requirements.

Translation Services

If you plan to travel abroad, or even make connections in rural Japan, it is a good idea to use translator services. Correspondence via the internet has been made easier through the use of instant translators software tools, however in-person visits will require more extensive communication efforts.

In Canada:
Translators are available in the yellow pages in the phonebook.

In Japan: 
Check the internet, consult the appendix or contact the embassy.

 8.1 Financial Services

This is one of the most import aspects of your export project. It is a good idea to explore several resources and options before you begin. There are government financing experts, as well as banking institutions. Several questions you should ask are:

• who will finance me,
• are they credible,
• for what period of time will I need to be financed,
• how much will I need and when,
• what insurance options are available,
• what institutions are represented well in the importing country,
• who will my importer deal with?

For export credit insurance, which protects you in the case of insolvency or non-payment by the foreign buyer, it is a good idea to talk to the

The Export Development Corporation
http://www.edc-see.ca/index_e.htm
Or call them at 1-888-332-4593
2075-360 Main Street
Winnipeg, MB R3C 3Z3
Tel: (204) 983-5114
Toll free 1-888-332-3320

Other sources of finance expertise include:

Business Development Bank of Canada
www.bdc.ca
Winnipeg Office Brandon Office
1100-155 Carlton 940 Princess Avenue
Winnipeg, MB Brandon, MB
R3C 3H8 R7A 0P6
Tel: (204) 983-7900 Tel: (204) 726-7555

Also talk to your local banks with foreign representation. You may need to talk to head offices in Canada, but they should be able to provide you with the right resources. There are lists also available on the internet at: http://www.globalsources.com/TNTLIST
/TRADE/BANSKS/JAPAN.HTM,

A list of Canadian banks abroad is in the appendix. When selecting a bank, make sure you know their credibility. If you venture beyond a Canadian bank, be careful, several Asian banks have experienced financial difficulties over the years. Banks may also be able to offer credit details on foreign buyers, foreign currency services, information on loans and lines of credit, among others.

Methods of Financing

There are a number of methods that can be used to settle payment in Japan, including cash in advance, letters of credit used in conjunction with a documentary draft, promissory note, documentary collection or draft, open account, or consignment sales.

Letters of Credit

Letters of credit offer the most security for both the exporter and the importer. This method of payment would be the easiest in a new market situation. Letters of credit (L/Cs) or documentary credits can be initialized through the importer and their issuing bank. Once the bank accepts the application, a letter of credit is drawn up, forwarded to the corresponding bank in the exporter's country (i.e.. Canada). Once the exporter has shipped the goods and met all necessary requirements stated in the letter of credit, the exporter presents the necessary documents as proof of completion to their bank and is able to collect payment. These documents are then sent to the issuing bank, which provides them to the importer. The importer will need these documents in order to claim the goods. Through letters of credit, the importer doesn't have to make payment until the goods are received, and the exporter doesn't lose possession of the goods until payment has been delivered. There are different kinds of letters of credit, though the most secure form is the secured, irrevocable letter of credit because it guarantees that the issuing bank will cover the costs regardless if the importer fails to do so and it also insures that the agreement can't be revoked once it has been finalized. To learn more about letters of credit, contact your nearest bank.

There are several other professional services that can help you as well, including hay brokers, trading houses, and freight forwarders. Each has a special role to play. It is up to you to determine what services you as an individual can provide, and what resources you will require externally.

8.2 Product Suitability Export Requirements:

A. Alfalfa Hay to Japan

1. Freedom from Hessian Fly hosts

• cereals: wheat, barley, rye
• grasses: all Agropyron spp.; including quackgrass, crested wheatgrass, intermediate wheatgrass, etc., Hordeum spp.; wild barley (foxtail barley). The presence of other insects or disease could also result in the rejection of hay for export.

2. Colour

• leafy, good green preferred
• light green (celery colour) is accepted
• sun-bleached acceptable but not desirable
• brown or weathered not acceptable
• Japanese place a very high emphasis on colour

3. Moisture content

• 12 percent maximum
• achieving uniformly dry hay is necessary

4. Crude Protein

• no standard (suppliers try to keep it in the 15 to 18 percent range)
• lower levels may be acceptable on a special lot basis if good colour

5. Fibre

• Japan's main reason for importing
• no standard range of ADF (Acid Detergent Fibre)
• fibre considered acceptable if crude protein is in the 15-18 percent range for alfalfa
• high fibre is required along with reasonable levels of other nutrients to maintain high milk fat and milk solids in milk

6. Spoilage

• spoiled, weathered or dusty hay is not acceptable
• should be free of moulds, weeds or soil

Note: Guidelines are available for optimal alfalfa production for export.

B. Timothy Hay for Japan

1. Freedom from Hessian fly hosts

• same information as for alfalfa hay

2. Colour

• light green

3. Moisture content

• 12 percent maximum

4. Crude protein

• no standard
• long coarse stems with long plump heads
• suggestions of hay to be 15 cm in length, though no standards
• many large leaves

5. Fibre

• no standard
• main purpose for timothy
• used for race horses and dairy

Some compromises in quality may be made if appearance is good.

Note: Of the 27,400 horses that existed in Japan in 1997, approximately 15,000 were located in Hokkaido, of which most are raised as thoroughbreds for racing (around 80 percent). This industry has been regarded as risky however.

8.3 Choosing a Distribution Channel

A. Hay Brokers

Check the Manitoba Hay Directory as producers are often willing to broker for others. Regional extension forage agronomists may be of assistance as well. The Manitoba Forage Council can provide you with a Hay Directory.

Manitoba Forage Council
129 Dickens Drive
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3K 0M1
Contact: George Bonnefoy, Executive Director

Manitoba Brokers

International Marketers of Canadian Dehydrated Alfalfa Products

B. Trading Houses

Trading houses help to move your product abroad. They can be involved in market analysis and research, arranging transportation, appointing distributors or agents, exhibiting at trade fairs and preparing advertising and documentation. They can either buy the product outright from Canadian suppliers, or act as agents, performing sales for a commission.

In Japan:

UNICOOPJAPAN - a Japanese trading company established in 1961. It trades in grains and livestock feed, livestock products, as well as many other agricultural products.
Tel: (81-3) 3296-8960 Fax : (81-3) 3291-6358
Email Address : webmaster@unicoop.co.jp
Internet: http://www.unicoop.co.jp/en/index.html

ZEN-NOH UNICO AMERICA CORP.- a Japanese International trading company in feed grains and ingredients, fertilizer materials and other pertinent operations. Collects, distributes, and markets for farmers via its international channels.
Internet: http://www.zennoh.or.jp/index.htm

In Canada:

XCAN Grain Pool Limited
Suite 1200, 201 Portage Ave.
Winnipeg, MB R3B 3K6 

Cargill Limited
300 - 240 Graham Avenue
Box 5900, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4C5 

James Richardson & Sons Ltd.
2800 - One Lombard Place
Winnipeg, MB R3B 0X8

Alfred C. Toepfer (Canada) Ltd.
709 - 167 Lombard Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3B 0V3

C. Freight Forwarders

Freight forwarders can play a very important role for a first time exporter. Before you use a forwarder, you should determine what level of involvement you want. Some freight forwarders can provide a comprehensive package that takes care of all logistical requirements and paperwork, while others can simply negotiate a rate with a shipping company. There are freight forwarders for air and ocean, some specialize in certain products, or certain countries, while others are multi-faceted. Some freight forwarders will even help clarify the terms of the letter of credit. It is a good idea to chose a freight forwarder with at least five years of documentation experience. They should be experienced in air freight, ocean freight, standard documentation, banking documents, and consular documents. As you can see, choosing the right freight forwarder is very important. The more shopping around, the more apt you are to find the right freight forwarder for you. Some will work harder at price shopping than others, keep this in mind.

Where can I find a freight forwarder?

• the yellow pages of the phone book
• search the internet

talk to the Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association<
1243 Islington Avenue, Suite 706
Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada M8X 1Y9
Tel. 416-234-5100 Fax. 416-234-5152
Email:admin@ciffa.com
Or visit the web at: http://www.ciffa.com

They can provide a list of freight forwarders at the national or provincial level.

8.4 Pricing in the Japanese Market

There are several Japanese agricultural cooperatives and newspapers that may provide access to current prices in their market. The Internet Hay Exchange at: www.hayexchange.com provides one internet source.

By contacting JA-ZENCHU or the Central Union of Agricultural Co-operatives of Japan, you can be provided with a list of all of Japan's agricultural cooperatives, agricultural newspapers, friends abroad and related organizations. As well, JA-ZENCHU through one of its members (ZEN-NOH), can provide a list of major affiliated companies (i.e. feed companies, etc).

JA-ZENCHU or the Central Union of Agricultural Co-operatives of Japan
1-8-3 Otemachi, Chiyodaku, Tokyo 100, Japan
Tel: 03-3245-7570, Fax: 03-5255-7357
Email: matsuda-masahiro@zenchu-ja.or.jp
Or visit the web at http://www.rim.or.jp/ci/ja/ejahome.html

Japan Agricultural Cooperatives and Associations

Japan Feed Trade Association
Aogu Nishijima
General Manager General Affairs Department & Business
Koizumi Bldg. 3-13
03-3567-2297 4-Chome Ginza
Chuo-Ku Tel: (81-3)3563-6441

Cooperatives:

8.5 Transportation

The Canadian economy is directly tied to its ability to trade in a constantly expanding global economy. Therefore, commercial shipping continues to be the mainstay for our exchange of goods internationally. Canada exports up to 80 percent of its agricultural production. The bulk of these products moves by water to China, Japan, Korea, US, Brazil, Mexico and other major importing countries.

Japan is one of the world's largest importers of hay products. An increasing quantity of agri-food products is being transported in containers. Between 1993 and 1997, exports of agri-food products from Canada's major container ports almost doubled to 1.2 million tonnes (Mt). Agri-food products such as lentils, organic wheat, canola, soybeans, peas, flour, hay and malt are exported in significant quantities through Canada's port system. Most of agri-product movement to Japan is carried through the Port of Vancouver.

The Port of Vancouver is Canada's largest grain port. It has 20 major cargo and other related terminals and in 1997, handled a record 73.5 Mt of cargo. There are two type of container in general usage in Canada. The first type, standard dry marine containers are 20 to 40 feet in length. These containers are standardized for use on ocean vessels and can be transferred to rail and trucks for inland transportation.

The second type of container commonly used on Canada's rail and highway system is the domestic intermodal container. This container is designed to maximize payload on the domestic transportation system. They are longer than marine containers, ranging from 45 to 53 feet in length, and are not designed for use on ocean vessels.

Canadian National and CPR have centralized their intermodal facilities in urban centres - Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon, Calgary and Edmonton. When a marine container is available for source loading on the prairies, the cost of having that container delivered to a remote farm, seed cleaning plant, country processing facility or alfalfa processors, then returned and loaded to the nearest intermodal terminal increases proportionately with the distance from the terminal.

Despite periodic fluctuations in the cost of moving containers from Vancouver to international markets, costs have decreased significantly in the past few years..

The following chart shows the freight rates for both a 20 and 40 foot marine containers to |Osaka and Nagoya from two local international freight forwarders.

The Japanese distribution system is widely considered to be among the most complicated in the world. The Japanese system is marked by multiple layers of agents, distributors, and wholesalers providing services such as delivery, packaging, financing, warehousing, and sales promotion. However, Japan's recent economic troubles have forced many consumers to be increasingly price-conscious. This, in turn, has encouraged retailers to cut costs, and deliver lower priced products. Although the distribution system is gradually becoming cheaper, less complex and more efficient, exporters in the immediate future will simply have to accept the existing system.

8.6 Import Regulations In Japan

There are some good websites that walk the exporter through the customs procedures. The flow-chart of goods imported is clearly explained. For more information, contact: http://www.mof.go.jp/english/tariff/tariff.htm (this is the Customs and Tariff Bureau) or the Customs Counsellors and Information Officers at:

A person wishing to import goods must declare them to the Director-General of Customs and obtain an import permit after necessary examination of the goods concerned.

The Import Declaration steps are as follows:

Completion of Import Declarations - describe the quantity and value of goods and other relevant particulars.

Declarant - Import declarations must be made by the person importing the goods, i.e. usually a customhouse broker files the declaration as a proxy for importers.

Documents to be submitted -a customs duty payment declaration form (Customs Form C 5020) must be prepared in triplicate and submitted to Customs with the following:

a) Shipping documents such as a commercial invoice and packing list

Commercial Invoice requirements:

• place and date of issue
• names and addresses of importer and exporter
• detailed description of the merchandise, quantities (in international units), numbers, varieties, proportions
• method of shipment
• signature of responsible officer, along with name and title
• all insurance and freight charges
• shipper's invoice number and customer's order number
• container number
• seal number

(More than one copy will be required....check with customs broker)

Packing list (necessary when multiple packages are shipped unless the commercial invoice contains the necessary information)

• number of packages within one case or unit
• the net, gross and legal weights of each case, and of the total shipment
• volume of individual packages, as well as of the whole shipment

(Between 4 and 7 copies of the packing list will be required)

b) Bill of lading or air waybill

• description of the product
• weights and measurements of the packages and their types
• ports of origin and destination
• names and addresses of shipper, importer and customs broker
• any freight or other charges incurred
• number of bills of lading in the full set
• carrier's acknowledgment of receipt "on board" of the goods for shipment

At least three copies are required (one to keep on-file, one for the importer, and one for the customs broker)

c) A Certificate of Origin- available at the local Chamber of Commerce or the

International Trade Center
Industry Canada
Box 981 - 400 St. Mary Avenue, 4^th Floor
Winnipeg, MB R3C 4K5
Tel: (204) 983-5851 Fax: (204) 983-3182

d) Freight accounts, insurance certificates, etc. (where necessary)

e) Phytosanitary certificate- See Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)

Hay shipments must be free from noxious weeds and pests.

Manitoba CFIA
Room 613-269 Main Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 1B2
Tel: (204) 983-2200 Fax: (204) 984-6008

f) B13A Export Declaration form (from Canadian Government) for every shipment, which is presented to a Revenue Canada customs officer at the point of exit from Canada or in a monthly summary of shipments to be sent to Statistics Canada. (Apply at Revenue Canada). Records of exports must be kept for 6 years. For more information, see the brochure Exporting Goods From Canada, available through Revenue Canada at

269 Main Street
Winnipeg, MB R3C IB3
(204) 983-6393
or visit the web at: http://www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/
E/pub/cp/rc4116ed/rc4116ed.html

You have to file an export declaration when exporting goods that are not controlled, prohibited or regulated if:

• the goods are valued at CAN$2,000 or more; and
• the final destination of the goods is a country other than the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

g) Detailed statement on reductions of, or exemption from customs duty and excise tax (when such reduction or exemption is applicable to the good).

In Japan, there are no tariffs on alfalfa, hay or related products in terms of WTO tariffs.

h) Authentication of Documents - certificates of sale and letters authorizing local agents or importers to act on behalf of the exporter must first be notarized in Canada. This can be done at no cost to the exporter by sending them to:

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Authentication and Service of Documents
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON K1A 0G2
Tel: (613) 992-6602 Fax: (613) 992-2467

Good resources:

International Trade Logistics - Reference Manual
Saskatchewan Region - Market and Industry Services Branch
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
8^th Floor, Room 801, 1800 Hamilton Street
Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 4K7
Tel: (306) 780-7065 Fax: (306) 780-7360

Contact info:

Agri-Food Country Profile - Japan
October 1999 - Team Canada

The Agri-Food Market in Japan
August 1999 - Team Canada - DFAIT FaxLink No. 34036

8.7 Free Trade Zones

Japan doesn't have any free trade zones, however there are five different types of bonded areas:

1. Designated Bonded Areas - located near ports of entry, this public space, authorized by the Ministry of Finance, can be used to unload, transport, and store foreign cargo for up to one month. It is used for customs declaration and handling and can be used by anyone for a fee.

2. Bonded Shed - similar to a bonded area, however is authorized by the Director General of Customs Houses.

3. Bonded Warehouses - foreign cargo can be stored here for up to two years (and possibly longer). While cargo is stored here, custom duty is not applied.

4. Bonded Factories

5. Bonded Exhibition Sites

8.8 Import duty and Consumption Tax

Japanese customers are sometimes taxed consumption and import duty taxes, but not always. Import duties are charged specifically for the product, while the consumption tax is taxed to all products at a rate of 3 percent. Import duties are calculated from the cost of goods plus insurance and shipping charges. Consumption taxes are calculated from the sum of the costs of goods, insurance, shipping charge and import duty.

When selling large products to Japan, the freight company will usually notify the customer of the products arrival and that they have to clear it through customs. If your customer uses a professional customs clearance agent or Personal Import Custom Clearance Advisory Center, it will likely cost extra money. If you, as an exporter, use a Japanese freight company with nationwide delivery, you will likely save your customer and, ultimately, significant savings. It is often useful to get your importing partner to check into some of these freight rates.

8.9 Customs Brokers

The custom broker is a great resource for solving problems with customs documentation, transportation and even payment issues with the importer. They keep updated on regulations and new developments within the industry. If the shipment is complicated, it is a good idea to use a custom broker. Once again, make sure you check out several customs brokers, understand what services they are willing to provide as some often serve as freight forwarders and, last of all, recognize that some charge more than others. Do your homework and shop around.

Once again, you can check the yellow pages in the phone book, or you can contact:

Canadian Society of Customs Brokers
Suite 320, 55 Murray Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1N 5M3
Tel: (613) 562-3543 Fax: (613) 562-3548
e-mail: cscb@cscb.ca
or visit www.cscb.ca for a complete nationwide list of members

8.10 Tariffs in Japan

Most alfalfa or hay products can enter Japan duty free. Oats for feed, however have an applicable 8.5% tariff.

8.11 Media and Advertising

1) JA-ZENCHU News

2) Sowing the Seeds of the Future - Japan's Agricultural Cooperatives Country Paper

Contact: JA-ZENCHU or Central Union of Agricultural Co-operatives of Japan
1-8-3 Otemachi, Chiyodaku,
Tokyo 100, Japan
Tel: (81-3)3245-7570, Fax: (81-3)5255-7357,
E-mail: matsuda-masahiro@zenchu-ja.or.jp

3) National Press & Information Federation of Agricultural Co-operatives
(JA-SHINBUNREN)

APPENDIX

Contacts

Canadian Embassy
7-3-38 Akasak, Minato-ku
Tokyo 107, Japan 
Tel: (81-3) 5412-6200
Fax: (81-3) 5412-6247
Email: d-tko-td@tokyo04.x400.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/ni-ka
Contact: Ron Davidson

Canadian Consulate- Fukuoka
FT Building 9f
4-8-28 Watanabe-dori, Chuo-ku
Fukuoka 810-0004, Japan
Tel: (81-92) 752-6055
Fax: (81-92) 752-6077
Email: tokyo@tokyo03.x400gc.ca

Canadian Consulate- Nagoya
Nakato Marunouchi Building 6F
3-17-6 Marunouchi, Naka-ku
Nagoya 460-0002, Japan
Tel: (81-52) 970-0450
Fax: (81-52) 972-0453
Email: tokyo@tokyo03.x400.gc.ca

Canadian Consulate General- Osaka
Daisan Shoho Building, 12^th Floor
2-2-3 Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku
Tel: (81-6) 212-4910
Fax: (81-6) 212-4914
Email: tokyo@tokyo05.x400.gc.ca

Department of Foreign Affairs and 
International Trade (DFAIT)
Japan Division (PJP)
125 Sussex Dr. 
Ottawa, ON K1A 0G2 
Tel: (613) 995-1773
Fax: (613) 943-8286 or 944-2397 

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
International Markets Bureau
930 Carling Ave., 10^th Floor
Ottawa, ON K1A 0C5
Contact: Sean Cornish
Tel: (613) 759-7523
Fax: (613) 759-7506
Email: cornishs@agr.gc.ca

DFAIT Canadian 
Market Support Division (TCM)
125 Sussex Dr. 
Ottawa, ON K1A 0G2
Tel: (613) 995-1773
Fax: (613) 943-1103

Commercial Corporation
Metropolitan Centre
125 Sussex Dr. Ottawa, ON K1A 0S6
Tel: 1-800-748-8191 or (613) 996-0034
Fax: (613) 995-2121
Email: info@ccc.ca
Internet: www.ccc.ca

DFAIT
Tariffs and Market Access Division (EAT)
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON K1A 0G2 
Tel: (613) 992-2177
Fax: (613) 992-6002
or 944-4840

Export Development Corporation
151 O'Connor St.
Ottawa, ON K1A 1K3
Tel: (613) 598-2500
Fax: (613) 237-2690
Email: export@edc4.edc.ca
Internet: www.edc.ca

Canada-Japan Trade Council
75 Albert St., Suite 903 
Ottawa, ON K1P 5E7
Tel: (613) 233-4047 
Fax: (613) 233-2256
Email: cjtc@magi.com
Internet: http://magi.com/~cjtc/

Japanese External Trade Organization
(JETRO) - Toronto
181 University Ave., Suite 1600
Toronto, ON M5H 3M7
Tel: (416) 861-0000
Fax: (416) 861-9666

Japanese Government Contacts

Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF)
1-2-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100-8950, Japan
Tel: (81-3) 3591-2874 
Fax: (81-3) 3501-3720

JETRO - Business Support Centre
ATT Building
2-17-22 Akasaka, Minato-ku
Tokyo 107, Japan
Tel: (81-3) 5562-3131
Fax: (81-3) 5562-3100

JETRO
2-2-5 Toranomon, Minato-ku
Tokyo 105, Japan
Tel: (81-3) 3582-5562
Fax: (81-3) 3582-5027

Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI)
1-3-3 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 170, Japan
Tel: (81-3) 3501-1664
Fax: (81-3) 3501-5912

Foreign Investment Promotion Development
Corporation (FIND)
ATT Building 
2-17-22 Akasaka, Minato-ku 
Tokyo 107, Japan
Tel: (81-3) 3224-1203
Fax: (81-3) 3224-9871

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
Standards Information Service
2-2-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100, Japan
Tel: (81-3) 3580-3311
Fax: (81-3) 3503-3136

Japanese Standards Association
4-1-24 Akasaka, Minato-ku
Tokyo 107, Japan
Tel: (81-3) 3583-8003
Fax: (81-3) 3583-2029

National Agriculture Research Centre
3-1-1 Kannondai
Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305, Japan
Tel: (81-298) 38-8510 Fax: (81-298) 38-8484
Email: www@narc.affrc.go.jp
Internet: http://ss.narc.affrc.go.jp/index-e.html

JETRO - Standards Information Service
2-2-5 Toranomon, Minato-ku 
Tokyo 107, Japan 
Tel: (81-3) 3582-6270
Fax: (81-3) 3589-4179

Japanese Trade Associations

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan (CCCJ)
Chez Irene Building, 2F
7-4-7 Akasaka, Minato-ku
Tokyo 107-0052, Japan
Tel: (81-3) 3224-7824 Fax: (81-3) 3224-7825
Email: cccj@twics.com 
Internet: http://www.cccj.or.jp/

Japan Foreign Trade Council, Inc.
World Trade Centre Building
2-4-1 Hamamatsu-cho, Minato-ku
Tokyo 100, Japan
Tel: (81-3) 3435-5950 Fax: (81-3) 3435-5979

Japanese Phytosanitary Contacts

Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF)
Plant Quarantine Administration
1-2-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100, Japan
Tel: (81-3) 3502-8111 Ext. 4149

Yokohama Plant Protection Station
5-57 Kitanaka-dori, Naka-ku
Yokohama 231, Japan
Tel: (81-45) 211-7152
Fax: (81-45) 201-2360

Moji Plant Protection Station
3-10-1 Nishikaigan, Moji-ku
Kitakyushu 801, Japan
Tel: (81-93) 321-2601
Fax: (81-93) 332-5189

Japan Plant Quarantine Association
8-15-3 Kaigan, Minato-ku
Tokyo 108, Japan
Tel: (81-3) 3453-5935
Fax: (81-3) 3453-5935

Nagoya Plant Protection Station 
3-12-2 Irifune, Minato-ku 
Nagoya 455, Japan 
Tel: (81-3) 651-0111
Fax: (81-3) 651-0115

Kobe Plant Protection Station 
1-1, Hatabo-cho, Chuou-ku 
Kobe 650, Japan
Tel: (81-78) 331-135/2376
Fax: (81-78) 332-2796

Naha Plant Protection Station 
11-1, 2-Chome, Minato-machi
Naha 900, Japan
Tel: (81-98) 868-2850
Fax: (81-98) 861-5500

Translation Services Abroad (Japan)

Access Japan Inc. 
Tokyo Tatemono Shibuya Building 8F 
3-9-9 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku
Tokyo 150, Japan
Tel: (81-3) 5467-4723
Fax: (81-3) 5467-4722 

Berlitz Translation Service
Akasaka Annex Building
2-17-42 Akasaka, Minato-ku
Tokyo 107, Japan
Tel: (81-3) 3505-3356
Fax: (81-3) 3582-7393

Forte Inc.
5-28-10 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku
Tokyo 306, Japan
Tel: (81-3) 3353-3545
Fax: (81-3) 3354-2845

Dynaword, K.K.
Kakihara Asahi Eitai Building 10F
3-7-13 Toyo, Koto-ku 
Tokyo 135, Japan
Tel: (81-3) 5632-5001
Fax: (81-3) 5632-5011

I.S.S. Service Centre Inc. 
23-3 Ichiban-cho, Chiyoda-ku 
Tokyo 100, Japan
Tel: (81-3) 3230-2521
Fax: (81-3) 3262-6633

Inter Group Co. Ltd.
Builco Building 5F
3-7-3 Nakatsu, Kita-ku
Osaka 531, Japan
Tel: (81-3) 372-8048
Fax: (81-3) 372-6164

Japan Onvention Service Inc. 
Nihon Press Centre Building 
2-2-1 Uchisaiwai-cho, Chiyoda-ku 
Tokyo 100, Japan
Tel: (81-3) 3508-1215 
Fax: (81-3) 3508-0820 

Linguabank Inc.
2-3-18-502 Hirakawa-cho, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 102, Japan
Tel: (81-3) 3234-7575
Fax: (81-3) 3234-7055

Linx Inc. 
1-33-32-108 Hamadayama, Suginami-ku 
Tokyo 168, Japan 
Tel: (81-3) 3478-0266 
Fax: (81-3) 3302-3166

Sansei International Inc.
Pukide Daini Building 8F
4-1-21 Toranomon, Minato-ku
Tokyo 105, Japan
Tel: (81-3) 3433-1560
Fax: (81-3) 3433-1612

Simul International Inc.
Kowa Building No. 9
1-8-10 Akasaka, Minato-ku
Tokyo 107, Japan
Tel: (81-3) 2586-8911 
Fax: (81-3) 3583-8336

Canadian Banks in Japan

Bank of Nova Scotia, Tokyo Branch 
21^st Floor Fukoku Seimei Bldg 
2-2 Uchisaiwai-cho 2-chome 
Chiyoda-ku 
Tokyo 100, Japan
Tel: (81 3) 3593 0201
Fax: (81 3) 3593 0414

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
8^th Floor Hibiya Kokusai Bldg
2-2-3 Uchisaiwai-cho 2-chome
Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100, Japan
Tel: (81 3) 3595 1531
 Fax: (81 3) 3591 3169

Toronto Dominion Bank, Tokyo Branch 
Kamiyacho Building 16^th Floor 
3-20 Toranomon 4-Chome 
Minato-ku 
Tokyo105, Japan 
Tel: (81 3) 5473-1610
Fax: (81 3) 5473-6899

Royal Bank of Canada, Tokyo Branch
14^th Floor Hibiya Kokusai Bldg
2-3 Uchisaiwai-cho 2-chome
Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100, Japan
Tel: (81 3) 3595 1251
Fax: (81 3) 3508 0403

Bank of Montreal 
Mitsui Nigokan
1-1 Nihonbashi-Muromachi 2-Chome, 
Chuo-ku
Tokyo 103, Japan 
Tel: (81-3) 246-0103
Fax: (81-3) 246-4215

National Bank of Canada
Ogawamachi-Mitsui Building, Suite 502
3-Kanda-Ogawamachi 1-Chome, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 101, Japan
Tel: (81-3) 292-6361

Japan Trade Shows

All Japan Holstein Show (AJHS)
Contact: The Holstein Association of Japan (HAJ)
Attn: Mr. Hironori Ohtomo, Administrative Section
Fax: 81-3-3564-3688 Tel: 81-3-3564-8221
Address: c/o Ohno Bldg, 1-19-8 Kyobashi,
Chuo-ku Tokyo 104-0031

Annual Hokkaido Holstein Show (HHS)
Contact: the Hokkaido Holstein Agricultural Co-operative
Attn: Administrative Section, Mr. Masaya
Fax: 81-11-726-3135 Tel: 81-11-726-3111

Contact the Japan Feed Trade Association
(Several dairy shows held in individual prefectures)
Attn: Mr. Morio Morisaki, Executive Director
c/o Koizumi Bldg, 4-3-13 Ginza, Chuo-ku Tokyo 104-0061

Or Japan Feed Trade Association
Aogu Nishijima
General Manager General Affairs Department & Business
Koizumi Bldg. 3-13
03-3567-2297 4-Chome Ginza
Chuo-Ku
Tel: 03-3563-6441