FUKUSHIMA — Exports of agricultural products from Fukushima Prefecture in fiscal 2019 rose to 232 tons as of the end of November, surpassing the record of 218 tons set in fiscal 2018. An official of the prefectural government says, “The safety and good taste of our agricultural products are increasingly appreciated especially in Southeast Asia.”

The exports of agricultural products of the prefecture increased by 53.7% on the year. The export of peaches was particularly strong, up 66.9% to 54.1 tons. That of pears also increased by 53.5% to 28.1 tons. The export of apples stood at 26.0 tons (no apples were exported in the previous fiscal year). Exports of all three products reached record levels since Japan was hit by a powerful earthquake and tsunami in 2011. (Abridged)