Firstly, I would like to extend my warm gratitude for your continued understanding and cooperation concerning the association's activities.

As the primary supplier of Japan's demand for wheat - a staple in our diet - the flour milling industry strives every day to meet the diverse demands of consumers, processing manufacturers, and distributors by delivering a steady supply of flour.

The flour milling industry is currently going through some drastic changes, including shifts in market trends brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a violent fluctuation of grain prices as a result of the Ukrainian crisis and global climate change. The Japanese government is currently considering a review of the Basic Law on Food, Agriculture and Rural Areas, and our food security policy is also becoming a major point of contention. The Flour Millers Association will continue to ensure a stable supply of wheat through steady imports, adequate stockpiling, and by strengthening cooperation both with administrative bodies here in Japan and relevant bodies in exporting countries.

Meanwhile, Japan's self-sufficiency rate in domestic wheat production as of fiscal 2022 was 15 percent, and it is listed as one of the areas to be reinforced under the government's food security policy. In order for the flour milling industry to expand demand for domestic wheat, we believe that it is necessary to cooperate with producers and administrative bodies to ensure stable production, distribution and quality of domestic wheat.