#Japan #Pasona Group #Manning City #Agriculture Support

Manning City Launches Agricultural Support Project

On May 23, 2025, Manning City, located in Okayama Prefecture, Japan, kicked off a groundbreaking initiative aimed at revitalizing its agricultural sector. The project is named the 'Manning Version Agricultural Support Service Organization' and seeks to establish a new support entity for farmers in the region. This initiative is in collaboration with multiple companies, including Pasona Group, Pasona Nouentai, Tango Kingdom Brewery, TOPPAN Edge, Tenmaya, and Chugoku Bank, all dedicated to addressing the pressing issues faced by local agriculture.

Manning City is situated in the northern part of Okayama Prefecture with a population of about 40,000 and boasts the largest area within the prefecture. The city has been designated as a 'Biomass Industrial City' and a 'SDGs Future City' by the Japanese government, capitalizing on its abundant forest resources for wood biomass power generation and innovative use of organic waste in the form of bio-liquid fertilizers. However, the city is also facing challenges related to declining birth rates and an aging population, particularly in its rural regions. This demographic shift necessitates urgent strategies for maintaining sustainable agricultural production.

The primary objective of the newly launched project is to establish a comprehensive support system for local farmers. This includes matching them with agricultural tasks that require outsourcing and assisting with the preparation of grant applications. The new organization is slated for incorporation in the fiscal year 2026 and will provide total support for the agricultural sector. Furthermore, participating companies will recruit personnel using the 'Regional Revitalization Business Person System,' ensuring that skilled individuals are brought into Manning City. The preparation office, established at the Manning City Hall, will facilitate the testing of new business ventures and outline further strategic plans for the organization.

Project Overview

• - Start Date: May 23, 2025
• - Objective: To create a support organization for local farmers that addresses the challenges posed by demographic changes and agricultural sustainability.

Expected Activities of the New Organization (2026 onwards)

• - Assistance with documentation and application processes for grants intended for farmers.
• - Facilitating connections between farmers with machinery and labor shortages and those willing to lend a hand or provide equipment.
• - Supporting the marketing of agricultural products and processed goods both locally and beyond.
• - Offering information on migration and agricultural training aimed at new farmers.
• - Operating dining facilities that utilize locally produced agricultural products and processed items.

Roles of Participating Organizations

• - Pasona Group, Pasona Nouentai, and Tango Kingdom Brewery: They will oversee the project's management and development of community interactions enhancing regional agricultural products in both domestic and international markets.
• - TOPPAN Edge: Will provide agricultural matching services and work on enhancing operational efficiencies and revitalization.
• - Tenmaya: A retail leader, will leverage its marketing expertise to enhance Manning's appeal and coordinate promotional events.
• - Chugoku Bank: Contributing fiscal expertise and advisory support as a financial partner in this endeavor.

Call for Participation

Manning City is also seeking additional companies interested in collaborating on this project. Those with resources capable of deploying personnel to develop business proofs or plans are encouraged to apply. The goal is to have a diverse range of organizations partake in this initiative, fostering a stronger agricultural community.

For inquiries regarding participation, please contact:

• - Manning City Hall, Industry and Tourism Department, Agricultural Promotion Division at 0867-42-1031 (Contact: Ito, Suzuki).

This project symbolizes a pioneering effort by Manning City to harness collaborative power effectively and address agricultural challenges while laying the foundation for sustainable growth.