[pp.63_70]
Takafumi OISHI* (* Faculty of Agriculture, Kinki University)
Abstract:
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.
Key Word:
Ikimono Mark, biodiversity, farmers, unit sales price, questionnaire survey