open access

https://hdl.handle.net/2115/77110

Problems of the Physical Distribution Sector in Hokkaido Prefecture and Their Efect on the Agricultural Sector

日本語

2019-08-31

The Agricultural Economics Society of Hokkaido

The Frontiers of Agricultural Economics

22(1)

9-24

Towards achieving ashared awareness among those in the industries of physical distribution and agriculture, we clarify situations regarding physical distribution, with a focus on agricultural products shipment between Hokkaido and other parts of Japan, we outline emerging issues for both sectors, and we discuss the impact of these issues on Hokkaido agriculture. These issues include the need for the shared use of railway tracks by Shinkansen bullet trains and freight trains in the Seikan Tunnel, the termination of some JR Hokkaido freight train services as a result of a review of operating lines, and a shortage of truck drivers. These are not just physical distribution issues; they also directly affect the continuation of the agricultural industry, the main industry in Hokkaido, because transportation capacity reductions cause agricultural product shipment reductions, freight transportation cost increases weaken the competitiveness of Hokkaido agricultural products, and freight transportation cost increases lower agricultural profitability. Responses by people in the agricultural sector are key to addresing the issues. Information on these issues should be sent out by people in physical distribution to those in the agricultural sector, and onward to governments and economic organizations, towards improving productivity, such as that at loading/unloading bases.

学術雑誌論文

Version of Record

2185-1220

AA12489661