Call for Outstanding Contributions to Sustainable Agriculture Contest 2023

Introduction

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFRA) of Japan is excited to announce the commencement of the "2023 Sustainable Agriculture Promotion Contest". This annual event recognizes the efforts and contributions from farmers, agricultural organizations, distribution and processing companies, and educational institutions engaged in innovative management and technical improvements towards sustainable farming practices. The contest aims to highlight outstanding initiatives in organic and environment-friendly agriculture.

Purpose of the Contest

With the goal of establishing sustainable agricultural practices, MAFRA promotes organic and environmentally sustainable agriculture that utilizes the natural cycle functions of farming to reduce environmental impacts associated with agricultural production. In May 2021, MAFRA launched the "Green Food System Strategy", aiming to increase both productivity and sustainability in the food and agricultural sectors. This initiative intends to significantly expand the area dedicated to organic farming.

Amidst these developments, the upcoming contest appreciates farmers and organizations actively participating in efforts to improve agricultural practices and sustainability standards within their communities by emphasizing organic agricultural development, reduction of environmental impact, and enhancement of biodiversity.

Award Categories

The contest will feature multiple awards:

- Minister of Agriculture Award

- Up to 1 winner in the Organic and Environment-Friendly Agriculture category.

- Director-General of the Agricultural Production Bureau Award and Director-General of the Livestock Bureau Award

- Up to 3 winners in the Organic and Environment-Friendly Agriculture category.

Eligibility

Awards will be granted to individuals, organizations, and institutions that have demonstrated notable achievements in enhancement of local development, production, and consumption of organic agricultural products, while actively contributing to environmental preservation. However, local governments and their constituents are not eligible for recognition.

Application Scope

Participants can submit their efforts in the following areas:
1. Production
2. Processing, Distribution, and Consumption
3. Human Resource Development

Note that criteria for evaluation may differ per category.

Submission Period

For Submissions to Prefectures

Applications should be submitted from June 6, 2023 (Friday) to September 5, 2023 (Friday).

For Direct Submissions to MAFRA

Applications may also be submitted directly to the Agricultural Environmental Policy Division at MAFRA from June 6, 2023 (Friday) to September 19, 2023 (Friday).

Application Procedure

Interested parties, whether self-nominated or recommended by others, can download the necessary application documents from MAFRA's official website regarding the "2023 Sustainable Agriculture Promotion Contest". To participate,
applicants must complete the application forms and submit them to the designated department responsible for organic and environmentally friendly agriculture as established by their respective prefectures, by September 5, 2023. Applications sent directly to the Agricultural Environmental Policy Division will be accepted until September 19, 2023.

For initiatives spanning multiple prefectures, please contact the specified inquiry point for guidance.