#Organic Rice #Palsystem #JA Hitachi

Direct Transaction Agreement between JA Hitachi and Palsystem

On October 22, 2023, a significant step was taken for sustainable agriculture in Japan when the Palsystem Cooperative Federation and the Hitachi Agricultural Cooperative (JA Hitachi) signed a direct transaction agreement. The signing ceremony occurred at JA Hitachi's main office in Hitachiota City, Ibaraki Prefecture.

The primary focus of this agreement is rice, with trading expected to start within this fiscal year. However, both organizations are also looking toward expanding their product offerings in the future, which includes a vision for organic farming practices and making registered rice available for pre-order.

Advancing Organic School Meals

This agreement represents the 38th initiative focusing on direct sales of rice for Palsystem. JA Hitachi is committed to implementing an agricultural approach that minimizes the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, promoting organic farming methods. Notably, the local elementary and middle schools in Hitachiota City are collaborating with the cooperative to convert all school meals to organic rice. Currently, around 30% of the vegetables used in these meals are also sourced from organic farms, with plans to extend this initiative to soybeans and soybean products.

As part of the agreement, sales of the high-quality Kohi-kari rice are expected to commence by March 2026. Palsystem's rice products include the