Reply #19: I think the rice data are probably correct [View All]

[Art_from_Ark]

The rice fields were flushed out before planting and constantly replenished with fresh water during the growing season, so there probably wasn't much of a chance of cesium being absorbed. Also, ambient radiation levels this summer were not high, either in my area or the area where Generic Other's relatives live. However, I do wonder why the Chiba data are a little different.

I've only talked to one greengrocer recently and he says that there is some confidence in locally-grown produce returning (most of it is grown in greenhouses or under plastic sheeting). In this case, though, the Moriya radiation data are a little unsettling.

I think Generic Other's relatives live in one of the major tree-fruit areas of Ibaraki Prefecture, so maybe she can shed some light about the situation there. The major tree fruits up there seem to be pears, apples, persimmons, and mikan oranges, as well as grapes. There are a lot of "pick-your-own" places there, and they are entering the fall picking season, so it would be interesting to see how that turns out. As I said, I think Generic Other might be able to shed some light on that.