#Japan #Aomori #Sweet Potato #CREATE AGRI #Sannoto

CREATE AGRI's New Adventure in Aomori's Agricultural Landscape

In an exciting move for agricultural innovation, CREATE AGRI Co., Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, is setting its sights on Sannoto Town in Aomori Prefecture. The company aims to enhance the local agricultural scene with the ambition of making Sannoto a hub for sweet potato production. This decision aligns with their vision of making agriculture a source of excitement and community engagement.

Background and Motivation

Sannoto Town has been grappling with the dual challenges of a declining population and the impacts of climate change. As the area faces potential increases in average temperatures—estimated to rise about 4.7°C by the end of the century—local farmers are exploring the cultivation of new crops, and sweet potatoes are increasingly seen as a viable option. Historically known for tobacco farming, Sannoto is now poised to shift gears towards sweet potato cultivation, marking its debut as Aomori's first region dedicated to this crop. CREATE AGRI plans to kick off its farming operations with two hectares by 2025, gradually expanding its reach while also ensuring a sustainable supply of seedling production adaptable to colder climates.

Collaboration Agreement

On April 10, 2025, CREATE AGRI and Sannoto Town formalized a partnership to promote agricultural development and community vitality. This collaboration will leverage both parties’ resources and technology to support local agricultural initiatives, including assistance to community revitalization teams, trial cultivation of new crops, and the development of innovative products.

Pioneering New Local Specialties

In addition to sweet potatoes, CREATE AGRI is also focusing on cultivating summer and autumn kale and white eggplants, both of which hold promise for future demand. The company is dedicated to product development utilizing local specialties, setting the stage for the introduction of these products into the marketplace, including opportunities for hometown tax donations. This initiative is expected to not only invigorate agriculture in the region but also contribute positively to the increase in donations through hometown tax programs.

Collaborating with Community Support Teams

The sweet potato project will foster close ties with community support teams, which will help in establishing a robust local system. To support the integration of team members into the community, CREATE AGRI will implement its own training program aimed at cultivating future agricultural leaders who can thrive in Sannoto.

Comments from the Sannoto Agricultural and Forestry Division

Historically, agriculture in Sannoto has involved a mix of rice cultivation, vegetables, tobacco, fruits, and livestock. Tobacco was once a cornerstone of the local economy, achieving accolades for its production but saw a swift decline due to reduced cultivation by Japan Tobacco. In light of these changes, Sannoto is now focusing on the opportunities presented by sweet potatoes, a crop that is moving north in response to shifting climatic conditions. The partnership with CREATE AGRI, as well as the exploratory trial cultivation of sweet potatoes undertaken previously, marks a pivotal step towards revitalization in agriculture.

The commitment from CREATE AGRI to establish sweet potato farming in Sannoto is a source of immense gratitude for the town. Together, they aspire to create a vibrant narrative of agriculture that excites the community and leads into the future.

About CREATE AGRI

Founded in October 2023, CREATE AGRI is dedicated to producing agricultural products and developing processed goods while addressing abandoned farmland issues. Under the leadership of CEO Kanta Takahashi, the company operates a branch in Sannoto as part of its mission to engage with and enrich the local agricultural landscape. The company's website can be visited at CREATE AGRI.

For inquiries, please contact: [email protected]