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Experience Peach Farming with Palsystem Tokyo

On June 7th, 2025, from 9:45 AM to 3:30 PM, Palsystem Tokyo, located in Shinjuku, will host a community farming event in collaboration with the Misaka Delicious Foods Association in Yamanashi Prefecture. This enriching day offers consumers a chance to volunteer alongside five families, engaging in the critical task of thinning peaches, promoting a deeper understanding of local agriculture.

Hands-On Contribution to Sustainable Farming

The event will focus on the intricate process of reducing the number of peaches on trees to enhance fruit size. Farmers at Misaka Delicious Foods prioritize the reduction of pesticide use, which is why every peach is carefully covered with protective bags. These bags help guard against pests and diseases, ensuring the highest quality of fruit for consumers, further showcasing the farmers' commitment to sustainability. Each day, the producers are responsible for hundreds of these protective coverings, and volunteer families assist by learning the importance of this practice firsthand.

Through this initiative, participants can express gratitude for the fruits, knowing the enormity of efforts taken by producers to reduce pesticides and safeguard their crops. The farmers will also share insights on the growth process of the peaches, ensuring that families are aware of how food is grown and the work involved in bringing it to their tables. In an age when consumers and producers often find themselves in distinct worlds, this hands-on day offers a valuable opportunity to bridge that gap.

Summer Delivery of Peaches to Consumers

The peaches that are bagged during this event will be meticulously cared for until the summer harvest season, when they will be shipped directly to participating families. Participants will also receive some of the harvest as a token of gratitude, which helps reinforce the bonds between consumers and producers, fostering community spirit.

Environmental Impact Initiatives

Part of Misaka Delicious Foods’ efforts includes significantly reducing pesticide use by over 50% for peaches and grapes. They avoid herbicides and soil fumigants entirely, continuously striving for high quality and taste while considering environmental impacts. An innovative approach to sustainable practice involves turning pruned branches into charcoal to further reduce CO2 emissions, demonstrating their commitment to combating climate change. By converting pruned waste into charcoal, a portion of the carbon is locked away, helping maintain soil health.

This method aligns with Yamanashi Prefecture's broader goal of increasing carbon retention in soil, as part of the 4‰ Initiative aimed at enhancing global soil carbon levels each year. Farmers at Misaka Delicious Foods understand the necessity of adapting farming practices in response to climate change, striving towards long-term sustainable agricultural practices in their region.

Celebrating Cooperative Principles

Notably, 2025 is designated as the International Year of Cooperatives by the United Nations, highlighting the importance of cooperation and mutual support in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Palsystem Tokyo is committed to amplifying the power of collaboration as it works to strengthen connections between producers and consumers. This event represents a step towards a sustainable future, ensuring that farming practices today benefit community health and the environment for generations to come.

Event Details

• - Date: June 7th, 2025
• - Time: 9:45 AM - 3:30 PM (Rain or shine)
• - Location: Misaka Delicious Foods Association, 1228-1 Oono-dera, Misaka-cho, Fuefuki City, Yamanashi Prefecture
• - Fees: Free
• - More Information: Visit the Palsystem Event Page

About Palsystem Tokyo

Located in Shinjuku, Palsystem Tokyo has made it its mission to foster connections between consumers and local farmers. As a consumer cooperative, it hosts numerous initiatives aimed at sustainable practices that benefit member households and the environment alike. The cooperative has over 532,000 members and a total business figure of 86.3 billion yen as of the end of March 2024. For more details, visit Palsystem Tokyo's Website.