#Japan #community #Saga #Karatsu #Yokomakura Farm

Harvesting Beniharuka Sweet Potatoes at Yokomakura Farm

On October 26, 2025, the NPO Karatsu Farm & Food, located in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture, organized a delightful harvest experience at Yokomakura Farm in the natural co-existence site of Aichi Town. This event saw enthusiastic participation from students of Kyushu University and volunteers who registered via the official website, creating a lively atmosphere for community engagement.

The Significance of Yokomakura Farm

Yokomakura Farm is part of the Aichi Town Yokomakura Natural Co-Existence Area, which garnered recognition as Saga Prefecture's first natural co-existence site (OECM) in 2024. This certification has spurred a rising interest among visitors and volunteers eager to witness the beautiful landscapes and cultural legacy preserved by local residents for many years. The harvest of Beniharuka sweet potatoes offered a precious opportunity for diverse participants, including students, professionals, and locals, to gather in the satoyama (mountain village) and foster connections through agricultural tasks.

Voices from Participants

Feedback from Kyushu University students highlighted their experiences: "I learned about Yokomakura for the first time at a beet tasting event and was thrilled to return this time!" and "Working alongside local residents made me feel closely connected to the natural surroundings and the essence of satoyama agriculture." Yokomakura Farm is committed to eco-friendly agriculture, cultivating crops like beets, rice, and sweet potatoes that are a boon to both the environment and the ecosystem.

Community Engagement through Volunteer Tourism

Karatsu Farm & Food is dedicated to promoting ecological conservation in the satoyama while blending it with agricultural work through ongoing 'volunteer tourism' initiatives. These programs allow participants not only to connect with nature but also to immerse themselves in the region’s culture, lifestyle, and biodiversity. The initiative has garnered popularity among students and professionals alike, contributing to a growing community focused on appreciating and sustaining the value of satoyama for future generations.

Volunteer Opportunities Available

Yokomakura Farm encourages community involvement by offering various volunteer opportunities throughout the year, including harvesting beets and natural co-existence site rice, forest maintenance, and wetland environmental improvement. Interested individuals can sign up through the official Karatsu Farm & Food website.

Sustainable Rice Production

Yokomakura Farm also focuses on sustainable rice cultivation, utilizing 5.8 hectares of previously abandoned rice paddies within the natural co-existence area. The creation of an interconnected ecosystem with rice fields, waterways, and forests allows for the circulation of life among rice crops and diverse organisms.

The Unique Appeal of Nature-Friendly Rice

The integration of local natural resources in low-impact cultivation practices results in premium rice that is rich in flavor and nutrition. This rice is not only delicious but also embodies the essence of being 'earth-friendly.' Yokomakura Farm’s efforts towards the revival of satoyama and the future of regional food security are beginning to attract attention as a new model for sustainable agriculture.

About the Organization

Organization Name: NPO Karatsu Farm & Food
Location: 3-7-22 Higashi Karatsu, Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture
Activities: Managing the natural co-existence site, preserving satoyama, circular projects on regional resources, environmental education, and running Precious Plastic Karatsu.

For more information, visit Yokomakura Farm's official page and natural co-existence site rice.