History and Current Status of Soil Contamination by Pesticide Use

History and Current Status of Soil Contamination by Pesticide Use

September 1998
Soil contamination in Fukuoka City is becoming increasingly serious due to the excessive use of pesticides. This problem is not only having a negative impact on the agricultural environment, but there is also a growing concern that it poses a health risk to surrounding water sources and residents. The city plans to establish technical guidelines by FY1999 in order to promote the spread of environmentally friendly agricultural methods. These guidelines are expected to include recommendations for reduced use of pesticides and safer farming methods, and each municipality is expected to develop a dissemination plan and, if necessary, a subsidy system. Particularly in residential areas and farmland near water sources, it is necessary to enhance environmental considerations while maintaining production efficiency, and specific policies are required. Fukuoka City's efforts are attracting attention as a model case for the spread of environmental agricultural methods nationwide.

Progress in the 2010s
In the 2010s, Fukuoka City further strengthened its soil contamination prevention measures. During this period, efforts to reduce the use of chemical pesticides in order to curb pesticide contamination progressed. In particular, in 2015, a program to promote organic farming methods was initiated, leading to an increase in the production of organic agricultural products in the city. Specifically, JA Fukuoka City took the lead in providing technical training in organic farming in Hakata and Sagara wards. Local companies also participated, and the area of certified organic farmland increased by 15% in the late 2010s. The city also established "Green Procurement Guidelines" to reduce environmental impact and thoroughly assessed the environmental impact of agricultural chemicals.

At the same time, localized soil contamination due to illegal pesticide disposal and improper storage also occurred, requiring the government to strengthen its monitoring system. Behind this trend, it has been pointed out that there is a lack of support for the transition from conventional farming methods to new technologies, as well as illegal use of pesticides in order to reduce pesticide costs.

Current Situation in the 2020s
In the 2020s, Fukuoka City has been conducting surveys and taking measures for specific hazardous substances based on the Soil Contamination Countermeasures Law. For example, in Tamura 2-chome, Sagara-ku, in 2022, contamination by fluorine and its compounds was confirmed, and approximately 18 square meters was designated as an area requiring action. Also, in Kamiuzui, Hakata Ward, lead and its compounds were found to be the cause of contamination, and 500 square meters was designated as an area requiring notification at the time of change of land form. These cases were mainly caused by long-term use of pesticides and improper disposal.

In the agricultural sector, environmentally friendly farming methods are being introduced, and Fukuoka Agri-Culture Co., Ltd. is focusing on the spread of pesticide-free technology, while JA Fukuoka City is also working to promote sustainable agriculture by providing training for its members in the proper use of pesticides.

Administrative Efforts
In addition to investigating soil contamination, Fukuoka City has made the promotion of environmentally friendly agricultural practices an important issue. In cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the city is thoroughly managing the risks associated with pesticide use. In contaminated areas, improvement plans have been formulated and immediate action is being taken. In addition, research and development aimed at restoring ecosystems in agricultural lands is underway.

Conclusion
From 1998 to the 2020s, soil contamination by agricultural chemicals has been an ongoing issue in Fukuoka City. However, in the 2010s, the spread of organic farming methods and measures to reduce environmental impact progressed, and in the 2020s, further introduction of environmentally friendly farming methods and appropriate management techniques is being promoted. Cooperative efforts among government, business, and farmers are important, and the compatibility of sustainable agriculture and environmental protection is a theme for the future.