Engaging Community Through Transparency: A Field Check of Ishihara Foods' Frozen Spinach Production

Engaging Community Through Transparency

In a significant initiative aimed at fostering transparency and trust between producers and consumers, Palsystem Cooperative, headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo, conducted a public verification event at Ishihara Foods in Miyazaki Prefecture. This event took place over two days, December 11 and 12, 2023, and allowed participants to directly engage with the production processes of frozen spinach.

Collaboration and Participation

The event attracted 38 participants on-site and 40 joining online, comprising consumers eager to learn about the cultivation history and production methods of the frozen spinach supplied by Ishihara Foods. This cooperative verification, known as the public confirmation meeting, is a unique system where consumers inspect farming practices directly, ensuring the safety and traceability of agricultural products.

Participants closely examined the entire production process, from planting to harvesting, freezing, and packaging. This hands-on approach allows consumers not only to affirm the safety of their food but also to deepen their understanding of agricultural practices.

An Innovative Farming Management System

The key focus of the audit was the processing of spinach. Ishihara Foods has implemented a comprehensive management system that oversees every aspect of production. One notable feature highlighted during the event was their self-developed farming app. This innovative application allows the company to monitor over 730 production sites effectively.

By scanning QR codes displayed at various production locations, workers can log their activities, providing real-time updates on field conditions. Participants acting as auditors found this tracking system ensured transparent traceability, linking stable quality and supply with the promise of “safe to eat frozen vegetables.”

Commitment to Community and Labor Conditions

In addition to production management, the audit assessed Ishihara Foods’ contributions to social causes and the work environment for its employees. The company has been proactive in its social responsibility efforts, providing frozen and non-standard vegetables to food banks every month, thereby supporting single-parent families and low-income households. During the audit, it was confirmed that communication among employees, including foreign interns, fosters a friendly workplace atmosphere, vital for operational efficiency.

Outlook from Leaders

Following the audit, Tetsuro Sato, head of Palsystem's Direct Farming Division, commented on the company’s successful control of its farms, which has contributed to uninterrupted factory operations and stable production. He emphasized the importance of addressing future challenges, such as securing local producers and consolidating farmland to mitigate sales risks.

Shoko Ogura, President of Ishihara Foods, expressed her commitment to tackle ongoing issues like farmland consolidation, underscoring the importance of sharing their accumulated expertise with younger staff. She affirmed that the entire team is dedicated to overcoming these challenges.

Continuing the Journey of Sustainable Production

Palsystem will persist in enhancing the mutual understanding between producers and consumers, contributing towards sustainable food production and community development. This initiative is not just about transparency but also about building a responsible and conscious food system for the future.

Palsystem remains dedicated to empowering its members through innovative approaches to food safety and sustainable cooperation with farms, reinforcing its position as a leader in the cooperative and local production sectors.

Company Overview

- Organization Name: Palsystem Cooperative
- Representative: Tetsuya Shibusawa, Chairman
- Headquarters Location: 2-2-6 Okubo, Shinjuku, Tokyo
- Established: 1990
- Official Website: Palsystem

Ishihara Foods Overview

- Organization Name: Ishihara Foods Co., Ltd.
- Representative: Shoko Ogura, President
- Headquarters Location: 2-1-1 Shimokawa Higashi, Miyakonojo City, Miyazaki Prefecture
- Founded: 1976
- Business: Manufacturing and selling frozen vegetables, cultivating field vegetables.