New Collaboration Platform for Adult Food Education
In an initiative aimed at enhancing consumer awareness of food and agriculture, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has announced the creation of a collaboration platform focused on promoting adult food education. This effort seeks to bridge the gap between consumers and producers, encouraging healthier eating habits among adults. Companies across various sectors are invited to join this effort, fostering a communal approach to dietary education and wellness.
Background of the Initiative
Contemporary society faces multiple challenges regarding food consumption, such as skipping breakfast, lack of nutritional balance in meals, declining interest in food-related topics, and an increasing gap between consumers and the realities of agricultural production and food manufacturing. The need for adult food education has never been more critical. By collaborating with food-related businesses that regularly engage with consumers, the newly formed platform addresses this pressing need for education and awareness regarding nutrition and healthy eating.
Objectives of the Platform
The Adult Food Education Collaboration Platform aims to create synergies among various stakeholders involved in food education. With a focus on shaping adult consumers' understanding of food and agriculture, the initiative will promote behavior changes through educational outreach:
- - Identify Specific Themes: The platform will establish specific themes to drive its initiatives, such as promoting breakfast consumption, encouraging balanced diets, and providing firsthand experiences in food and agricultural settings.
- - Promote Inter-company Collaboration: The initiative encourages companies to showcase their food education efforts and fosters new collaborations among businesses, local and national governments, educational institutions, and agricultural producers.
- - Community Engagement: By facilitating information exchanges and hosting research forums, the platform will create new opportunities for businesses engaged in food education, allowing them to connect and share resources effectively.
Participating Companies (as of May 30, 2025)
The initiative has already attracted significant participation from various leading companies in the food industry, listed in alphabetical order:
- - Ito En, Ltd.
- - H2O Retailing Corp.
- - Kagome Co., Ltd.
- - Kasumi Co., Ltd.
- - Calbee, Inc.
- - Kikkoman Corporation
- - Kewpie Corporation
- - Shidax Corporation
- - Seven & I Holdings Co., Ltd.
- - Daiei, Inc.
- - Nippon Access, Inc.
- - Nippon Ham Co., Ltd.
- - House Foods Group Inc.
- - Beruk Co., Ltd.
- - Mizkan Holdings Co., Ltd.
- - Meiji Co., Ltd.
- - Life Corporation
- - Wise Mart, Inc.
Membership Participation
Any company or organization dedicated to food education is welcome to participate in this collaborative platform. This initiative provides an excellent opportunity for businesses to exchange knowledge, conduct research, and ultimately work together towards making diets healthier and enriching mealtime experiences. By connecting consumers with the agricultural producers, the platform aims to create a more informed and engaged community around food choices.
Interested companies can apply for membership using the following link: Application Form
Kick-off Symposium
To officially launch the Adult Food Education Collaboration Platform, a kick-off symposium will be held:
- - Date and Time: June 27, 2025, from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
- - Location: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, 7th-Floor Auditorium
Please note that participation in person is restricted to members of the platform; however, the event will be streamed live on YouTube. The link for the live stream will be shared on the platform's official website.
Additional Resources
- - Invitation for Membership (PDF: 578KB)
- - Attachments (PDF: 972KB)
This collaborative effort marks a significant step towards empowering adults with the knowledge needed for healthier lifestyles and a deeper understanding of the food they consume.