A total of 46 local assemblies have adopted statements to express opposition to or caution in participating in a U.S.-backed Pacific free-trade initiative, a survey indicated Sunday.

The figure, which represents about 70 percent of prefectural assemblies and ordinance-designated major city assemblies in the country, indicates farming regions are concerned the central government might decide to join negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement without sufficient domestic debate.

Of the 46 local assemblies, 14 issued statements expressing clear opposition, including the Hokkaido Prefectural Assembly, the Sapporo City Assembly and the Niigata City Assembly.