#Japan #Yokohama #Organic Farming #Pal System #Forest Farm

Embracing Sustainability: Insights from the 24th Shoku-Ten Women Farmers' Conference

On November 6 and 7, 2025, the Pal System Consumers' Cooperative Union, led by Chairman Atsuki Shibusawa, hosted the 24th Women Farmers' Exchange Conference at the New Yokohama Grace Hotel in Yokohama, Kanagawa. This significant event attracted about 45 women producers and agricultural stakeholders from across Japan, who engaged in discussions under the theme "Organic Living." The second day saw a larger gathering of 318 participants at nine different venues, where the exchange between producers and consumers continued flourishing.

Sharing Experiences with Nature

A highlight of the conference was a compelling talk by Kazuko Nakagaki, the founder of "Forest Farm" in Doshi Village, Yamanashi Prefecture, who has dedicated 39 years to growing watercress. Nakagaki shared her journey of moving from Tokyo to the countryside, driven by her dream of rural life, and starting farming with no prior experience. Her nostalgia-infused anecdotes, including the challenges faced, resonated with the audience. "There are many stories I can't let go of," she joked, eliciting laughter from the venue.

She elaborated on her transition to organic farming, recalling how she first abandoned pesticide use. Initially overwhelmed by pests, she noticed a remarkable transformation over time as spiders, dragonflies, and frogs returned to her farm, leading to a thriving ecosystem that benefited her watercress crops. Her philosophy of coexistence with nature instead of fighting it truly came alive during her talk.

Nakagaki mentioned an encounter with a chef at the French Embassy who couldn't believe the exquisite quality of her watercress. She also shared her personal well-being strategy, which involves always putting on a smile, even in tough situations, further endearing herself to the audience.

Culinary Exchange: Embracing Flavors

During the tasting session at the conference, participants enjoyed a dish called "Watercress and Banana Mayo Salad," created by Nakagaki for her vegetable-resistant child. This unique recipe, featuring organic watercress and bananas sourced from Pal System’s partner farms in Thailand, sparked conversations about the innovative approaches taken by producers in their cultivation process. Feedback from attendees hailed the mild flavor of the dish, indicating a desire to replicate it at home.

Deepening Bonds through Regional Activities

On the second day, regional cooperatives organized breakout sessions, each showcasing their local characteristics while nurturing face-to-face relationships between producers and consumers.

• - Saitama: Held a lively agricultural quiz contest, fostering a buzz among attendees while sharing regional rice, persimmons, potatoes, and mandarin oranges during lunch conversations.
• - Ibaraki & Tochigi: Focused on "New Product Development" through group activities that included making aromatherapy oils and hand massages, offering relaxation for those busy with farming and household tasks.
• - Chiba: Organized sweet potato digging and blueberry planting activities at Pal Green Farm, facilitating bonding through hands-on experience with the earth.
• - Kanagawa: Offered a dessert buffet so that guests could enjoy local specialties while engaging in a fun trivia game about their agricultural origins.
• - Yamanashi & Nagano: At the nationally designated Important Cultural Property, Katakura Pavilion, participants enjoyed unique experiences such as "rice scooping" with new rice.
• - Fukushima: Conducted self-hand massage workshops, allowing participants to rejuvenate mentally and physically while learning about local agricultural introductions.
• - Shizuoka: Fostered a warm atmosphere with participants bringing their infants, all while discussing seasonal produce.

Celebrating the Power of Women in Agriculture

As the overall meeting closed, Takashi Ogawa, the representative chairman of the Pal System Producers and Consumers Council, highlighted the remarkable sight of so many women farmers gathered together. He expressed gratitude for the unique stories shared by the producers, noting, "Women truly represent the strength of this industry, and they are an invaluable treasure for Pal System and Japanese agriculture." The organization is committed to enhancing mutual understanding and support between producers and consumers, ultimately striving for a sustainable food system and agriculture.

About Pal System

The Pal System Producers and Consumers Council was established to facilitate collaboration between producers and consumers on equal grounds. By championing the concept of 'knowing local production,' they are dedicated to forming transparent relationships in the community.