Strengthening Connections: PARC System Producer-Consumer Exchanges Across Nine Prefectures

On March 5, 2023, the PARC System Producer-Consumer Council held its member cooperative exchange meetings across nine venues, bringing together 1,087 producers and consumers to engage in meaningful discussions. This gathering aimed to enhance mutual understanding and appreciation between those who grow food and those who consume it, reflecting the cooperative spirit of the PARC System.

Acknowledging the Direct Connection between Production and Consumption

The member cooperative exchange meetings invited producers from agricultural and livestock sectors who supply their products to PARC System, allowing them to visit the regions where their consumers reside. The agenda included keynote speeches from producers about their production sites, round-table discussions, and interactive group talks where attendees learned directly about the conditions in fields and the characteristics of various agricultural products.

PARC System Tokyo

At the Dai-ichi Hotel Ryogoku in Sumida City, producers from Apple Farm Samizu (Nagano) and Furano Seika Center (Hokkaido) welcomed 185 attendees. The theme “Pride in Our Production Areas” set the stage for participants to savor seasonal fruits while sharing stories in group talks. The producers highlighted the history of collaboration across generations. One consumer noted, “It was a valuable experience, rich with information that I normally wouldn't hear about.” A producer reflected, “While I have more thoughts to share, our deep discussions were rewarding. Hearing words of support from consumers motivates our work immensely.”

PARC System Kanagawa

In Yokohama's Vision Center, 134 people gathered to engage with producers from Oomaki Farm (Hokkaido) and Taiki Coop Farm (Nara). The lively atmosphere included an agricultural trivia quiz that energized the audience. Consumers rotated among tables to interact with producers, leading one participant to express gratitude for learning about the challenges of producing safe agricultural products: “Hearing about the efforts made for safe production makes me want to support local farms more actively.” A producer added, “It’s encouraging to know consumers appreciate our work.”

PARC System Chiba

At Hotel Green Tower Makuhari in Chiba City, 262 participants attended the “Direct Lunch Summit” featuring producers from Sand Farm Asahi (Chiba) and Shonai Cooperative Farm (Yamagata). After a talk by Sand Farm representative Kanaya about why they choose PARC, attendees shared their thoughts in groups. One consumer remarked, “Understanding that it’s not possible to produce quality agricultural products at low costs has deepened my appreciation,” while a producer encouraged greater engagement in activities like harvest experiences to enhance consumer awareness.

PARC System Saitama

At THE MARK GRAND HOTEL Sakura Hall in Saitama City, 112 people interacted with producers, including those from the Vegetable Club (Gunma). Participants tackled 13 challenging trivia questions that required table discussions, further bridging the gap between producers and consumers. Over a lunch featuring dishes made from local and PARC ingredients, thoughts on the dynamics of production and consumption were exchanged. One participant shared, “It was very enlightening,” while a producer remarked, “These exchanges are motivating for our ongoing efforts.”

PARC System Ibaraki Tochigi

In Tsuchiura City’s Hotel Marroad Tsukuba, 117 guests connected with producers like Hanabrothers (Miyagi) and Maluta (Kumamoto). A talk by Yohei Tsuruta from Maluta covered the impacts of climate change and wildlife damage on environmentally friendly farming practices. After enjoying a