#Japan #Gunma #Miyata Farm #Farming Experience #Showamura

Experiencing Farming at Miyata's Farm

On June 8, 2024, from 8:30 AM, the Gunma Cooperative Palsystem, located in Takasaki City, will host a farming experience event at Miyata's farm in Showamura, in collaboration with the local production association called 'Megurunma.' This event offers families the chance to engage directly with agriculture through activities like weeding corn and harvesting Komatsuna (Japanese mustard spinach). Participants will deepen their understanding of the efforts required in farming and the joy of harvesting.

The farming day will begin with weeding at the cornfield. Approximately 70 families will come together to connect with the local farmers, such as Norihiko Miyata, who will guide them through the farming process. Participants will feel the growth of the corn firsthand while learning about the challenges and rewards of farming.

After the weeding, families will move to another field to harvest Komatsuna, a vegetable that is featured in Palsystem's original meal kit, the 'Cooking Set.' These kits include collected vegetables and come with seasonings and recipes so families can prepare them together. Notably, Green Leaf Co., a farming corporation led by Akihiro Sawauchi, generates recipes that utilize freshly harvested vegetables, enhancing the cooking experience.

Once the harvesting tasks are done, participants will gather under the blue sky to prepare and enjoy a meal made from the ingredients they've just picked. This 'Cooking Set' fosters an intimate connection with the food production process, allowing families to appreciate the relationship between agriculture and their diet fully.

This is the first in a two-part corn course. The second event scheduled for July will include a hands-on experience of picking corn and cleaning up leftover corn stalks and leaves.

Promoting Agricultural Experiences Year-round

The Palsystem Gunma aims to create annual agricultural experience programs, alongside Megurunma, that foster children's emotional growth. In addition to corn farming in Showamura, the cooperative organizes various courses in the Isesaki area focused on growing vegetables like edamame and red onions.

Other initiatives include four sessions dedicated to observing the growth of red onions and sweet potatoes, providing practical insights into farming through hands-on activities.

Relationship Building through Agriculture
The Megurunma cooperative, composed of Palsystem Gunma and three local producer groups, aims to foster deeper connections between consumers and farmers. This initiative is geared toward promoting local production for local consumption, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices while emphasizing health and vibrant community development.

Palsystem Gunma is dedicated to bridging the gap between producers and consumers, encouraging sustainable food practices within the region.

Event Details

Miyata's Farming Experience - First Edition

• - Date: June 8, 2024, 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM (Rain or Shine)
• - Location: Miyata's farm in Showamura (10 minutes by car from Showa I.C. on the Kanetsu Expressway)
• - Participants: Approximately 70 families from Palsystem Gunma
• - Activities: Weeding corn, harvesting Komatsuna, 'Cooking Set' tasting, and interaction with farmers
• - Future Plans: The second session will be held on July 26, 2024, from 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM, featuring corn harvesting and field cleanup.

Palsystem Gunma
Location: 120-11 Nakadairai, Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture
Chairperson: Yukiyo Seki
Cooperative Assets: 1.08 Billion Yen
Members: 50,000
Total Business Volume: 6.09 Billion Yen (as of March 2024)
Website: Palsystem Gunma

The Palsystem Federation, headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo, promotes a unified operational system among its 13 member cooperatives, striving toward a total business volume of 254.1 billion yen and serving 1.735 million members (as of March 2024).

As the International Cooperative Year approaches in 2025, Palsystem Gunma is excited to continue its journey toward sustainable food and agricultural education.