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Don't Give Up to the Heat: The Tajima Green Pepper Project

The summer heat is unbearable, but that won't stop the support for local farmers! Starting July 25, 2023, the Tajima Green Pepper producers are launching the 'Eat to Support!' campaign again, through the shop 'Atsumete, Hyogo.' run by JA ZEN-NO Hyougo on the JA Town online store.

The Tajima Green Pepper is a premium brand grown in the Tajima region of Hyogo, where it enjoys the status of one of the largest pepper production areas in the Kansai region. These peppers are known for their thick texture, crispness, and minimal bitterness, making them a delightful addition to any meal.

Escalating Production Challenges

To maintain high quality and sufficient yields, adequate irrigation is essential. However, the recent extreme heat waves have dramatically increased water requirements for cultivation. Farmers now need to supply 5-8 liters of water per plant daily, which places a significant burden on them. The need for automated irrigation systems is urgent to ease labor demands, yet many producers find these systems prohibitively expensive, rendering continued cultivation challenging despite their efforts.

To counter this issue while enhancing the Tajima Green Pepper brand and farming volumes, JA Tajima has decided to subsidize the introduction of irrigation systems for new farmers and those looking to expand their operations. With every box of 'Tajima Green Peppers' purchased from the JA Town shop, 100 yen will be added to a fund dedicated to supporting the procurement of these systems.

Join the Cause

By choosing 'Eat to Support' products, you not only get to enjoy the nutritious Tajima Green Peppers but also contribute to safeguarding their future. Your support ensures that these peppers, nurtured by the labor of dedicated producers, can continue to thrive. Additionally, a limited-time promotion will offer zero shipping fees on select items to encourage even more participation.

Project Overview:

1. Project Page: JA Town Eat to Support
2. Implementing Organization: JA Tajima Green Pepper Council & JA ZEN-NO Hyougo
3. Duration: July 25, 2023 - Late October 2023
4. Available Products:
- 'Eat to Support' Tajima Pepper Full Box (Small) - 1,980 yen (tax included, shipping extra)
- 'Eat to Support' Tajima Pepper Full Box (Large) - 3,420 yen (tax included, shipping extra)
- 'Eat to Support' Tajima Peppers (about 1.5 kg) - 1,500 yen (limited to the first 100 customers, zero shipping charges)

Understanding the Irrigation System

The automatic irrigation system utilizes solar energy to adjust watering based on sunlight levels. A motor connected to solar panels draws water from a irrigation canal to a reservoir. When a certain water level is reached, a sensor opens an electromagnetic valve, allowing for drip irrigation through tubes installed on the rows. Once the water level drops, another sensor signals to stop the watering, conserving resources while applying fertilizers effectively. This system can supply roughly 10 liters of water per minute, optimizing the irrigation of over 10 ares (approx. 0.25 acres).

About the Tajima Green Pepper Council

This organization is comprised of local producers dedicated to enhancing natural production and sales initiatives. This year, the council has 176 members, cultivating about 117,076 plants (roughly 13 hectares) of peppers.

Message from the JA Tajima Green Pepper Council

We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support of Tajima-grown products. Your participation in this initiative allows us to help new and expanding farmers engage more positively in production. Tajima not only produces delicious peppers and Tajima beef but also has a wealth of other quality products like rice, vegetables, and seafood. We hope this project fosters greater interest in the Tajima region and its bountiful produce.

Success from Last Year

This initiative began last year, leading to a total of 412 orders and a cumulative fund of 41,200 yen raised for irrigation support. We thank everyone who supported this cause and look forward to your continued participation this year!