#Japan #Sustainable Farming #Saitama #Life Seed Campaign #Millet Seeds

Seeds of Change: Life Seed Campaign 2025

This spring marks the beginning of the 29th year of the Life Seed Campaign, themed "Creating a Future from Seeds." The campaign is distributing millet seeds that are not only eco-friendly but also highly nutritious and easy for anyone to grow. Running from April 1 to May 31, 2025, this initiative aims to revive traditional grains that are on the brink of extinction.

Launched in 1997, the campaign has successfully distributed seeds to thousands of supporters over the past 28 years. Along with the seed distribution, it actively shares information on how to grow and cook these valuable grains.

In recent times, millets have come into the spotlight as a potential staple of the future, recognized for their resilience against climate change, high nutritional content, and ability to be cultivated without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. As such, they are being reevaluated globally as a critical solution for food security.

This year’s campaign offers seven types of millet seeds (including Hie, Awa, and Kibi) for cultivation at home or on balconies, provided with simple growing manuals. The campaign also includes online meet-ups and growing workshops, making it accessible and enjoyable for everybody from beginners to seasoned growers.

Why Millets Are Gaining Attention

1. Health-Conscious Choice: Rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, millets can help supplement nutrients that are often lacking in the modern diet.

2. Earth-Friendly: These grains can thrive in poor soil conditions without the need for chemical fertilizers, significantly reducing environmental impact.

3. Food Security Strategy: Strong against climate change, millets are recommended as a solution for food security by the UN's FAO.

4. Enjoyable Across Generations: Whether as a post-retirement hobby or a step towards an agrarian lifestyle for the younger generation, millet farming is becoming increasingly popular.

Campaign Details

• - Name: Life Seed Campaign 2025
• - Duration: April 1 (Tue) - May 31 (Sat), 2025; with a deadline of 15:00 on May 31
• - Distribution: Eco-friendly millet seeds (choice of 7 kinds) plus a simple manual

- The quantity provided is sufficient for growing in an area of 2 to 3 tsubo (approximately 66 to 99 square meters).
- Varieties available: Hie, Mochi Awa, Mochi Kibi, Taka Kibi, Amaranth, Uruchi Awa, and Shikoku Bie.
- Limited quantities available; once they’re gone, they’re gone.

• - Application Method: Please order through the dedicated website here.

Additional Support

• - Reference Book: "Enjoy Growing Millets: Cultivation, Processing, and Utilization" by Kazuo Goda (Somonsha, 2009).
• - DVD: "Goda's Millet Adjustment Techniques" (Tsubutsubu).
• - Monthly free online millet growing information exchange meetings.
• - Hands-on cultivation experience classes held at seven demonstration farms across the country.

Media Coverage Invitation

For nearly 30 years, the Life Seed Campaign has worked tirelessly to revive and popularize Japan’s indigenous millets, officially recognized by the UN FAO in the International Year of Millets 2023. This initiative emphasizes the sustainable agricultural future, healthy eating, and regional revitalization through millets.
If you're interested in coverage of the campaign, interviews with participants, or visits to activity locations, please feel free to get in touch.

Contribution to the SDGs (Selected Overview)

• - Goal 2: Zero Hunger - Contributing to nutritional improvement by promoting high-nutritional-value millets.
• - Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production - Supporting the practice of sustainable agriculture.
• - Goal 13: Climate Action - Paving the way for future agriculture with climate-resilient millets.
• - Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being - Prompting a reconsideration of healthy food through locally grown safe ingredients.