Role of Farmland Intermediary Management Institutions in Farmland Conservation and Utilization

Efforts to transfer agricultural land rights differ by prefecture. This chapter will explore the necessary measures for farmland conservation in unfavorable conditions after evaluating the relationship between farmland intermediary management institutions (FIMIs) and farmland liquidation in regional agriculture. This chapter investigates the role of FIMIs in conserving farmland and enhancing agricultural productivity in Japan. Utilizing quantitative analysis, the research examines data from 46 prefectural units spanning 2014–2021, aiming to assess the impact of FIMIs in promoting sustainable land use and bolstering agricultural output, especially in areas facing adverse conditions such as aging populations, declining labor, and challenging conditions with slopes and snow. The findings reveal that FIMIs are crucial in promoting sustainable land use and increasing agricultural output, particularly in unfavorable conditions such as hilly and mountainous areas. The study underscores the importance of integrating regional characteristics into policy formulations and advocates for nuanced, context-specific strategies that incorporate the development of community farming organizations and emphasize the endogenous development of villages, especially in less favorable conditions.