Experience Agriculture: Harvesting Workshops in Gunma on November 8 and 15

Experience Agriculture: Harvesting Workshops in Gunma

The Gunma Cooperative Association, known as "Megurunma," is excited to announce that it will be hosting two agricultural experience events on November 8 and 15. These workshops will take place in Isesaki and Takasaki, where families will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on farming activities— from planting to harvesting vegetables such as leeks, sweet potatoes, and carrots. This series of events serves as a wonderful concluding experience for participants to gain a deep understanding of food production by connecting directly with local farmers.

Getting in Touch with Nature and Food Production

On November 8, the event at Isesaki’s “Minna no Hatake” (Everyone’s Farm) will begin at 10 AM, managed by the Tone River Producers Group, led by Katsushige Kurabayashi. This farm is nestled along the western foot of Mt. Haruna, in a low mountainous area at an elevation of 400-900 meters. Here, participants will enjoy a special “Negi Negi Course,” focusing primarily on harvesting red leeks and sweet potatoes which were planted back in May. After the harvest, everyone will gather to grill the leeks and sweet potatoes, tasting their delicious creations while sharing the joy of a bountiful harvest.

The following weekend, on November 15, families will gather at the Kurabuchi Grass Association’s farm in Takasaki. This remarkable location has already hosted seasonal harvest experiences in August and September, and this time, participants will challenge themselves to harvest carrots. This session is designed for fun and collaboration, with planned activities that include a cooking class and a communal lunch, allowing everyone to savor the fruits of their labor together.

Growing Appreciation Through Hands-On Learning

The Gunma Cooperative Association, alongside "Megurunma," aims to provide opportunities that foster children’s hearts and minds through engaging farming activities year-round. Participants will learn the essential time and effort it takes to grow food by tending to the farm themselves. This hands-on experience cultivates not only an appreciation for the delicious vegetables they harvest but also for the hard work that goes into agriculture. Participants are encouraged to express their gratitude directly to the producers, bridging the gap between consumers and those who grow their food.

Event Details

Isesaki Event:
Date: November 8 (Saturday) from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: "Minna no Hatake" next to Isesaki City Sakai Takashi Community Center (862-3 Sakaimachi, Isesaki City)
Parking: Available at Sakai Sports Park (846 Sakaimachi, Isesaki City)
Participants: Approximately 60 families from the Gunma Pal System
Activities: Harvesting of red leeks and sweet potatoes, along with taste tests of grilled leeks and sweet potatoes.

Takasaki Event:
Date: November 15 (Saturday) from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: Kurabuchi Grass Association Collection Center (5344-185 Gonda, Takasaki City)
Participants: Six families from the Gunma Pal System
Activities: Carrot harvesting, a cooking class using freshly harvested vegetables, and communal lunch interaction.

Cultivating Local Charm and Sustainable Practices

The Gunma Cooperative Association "Megurunma" is a collaborative effort with three local agricultural groups: the Vegetable Club from Showa Village, the Kurabuchi Grass Association from Takasaki, and the Tone River Producers Group from Isesaki. Through these events, the association promotes deep relations between consumers and producers, alongside efforts to enhance local consumption and mutual understanding. Their ongoing activities focus on sustainable agricultural advancement, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and invigorating local communities.

The Gunma Cooperative looks forward to continuing to shorten the distance between producers and consumers while fostering sustainable food and agricultural practices for better futures.

Contact Information:
Gunma Cooperative Association
Location: 120-11 Naka-Oraicho, Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture
Chairperson: Makiko Ohira
Capital: 1.12 billion yen, Membership: 51,000, Total Business Size: 6.16 billion yen (As of March 2025)
HP: Pal System Gunma