Exploring the Future of Sustainable Rice Production in Miyagi Prefecture
桶稲” for home cultivation. The council emphasized the importance of these yearly activities in strengthening community ties. Notably, in response to rising prices due to a shortage in rice supply, efforts to maintain stable production have been underway, ensuring consistent availability for consumers.
For 2025, the council plans to focus on expanding regional information dissemination, increasing fans of local products, and strengthening regional cooperation through promotional activities via the web and social media. Utilizing the brand of 'Ohsaki Kodo', designated as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System, they aim to raise awareness about environmentally-friendly agricultural practices, such as the 'Eco-Challenge Rice' and organic rice production. Despite challenges such as rice shortages, the council is committed to creating more opportunities for interactions, learnings, and exchanges between producers and consumers, all while strengthening local collaborations.
During the opening remarks, Katsumi Onodera, the president of the council, shared anecdotes of encouragement and gratitude from consumers towards the exchange initiatives. He expressed excitement for the upcoming 30th anniversary of these interactions in two years.
Additionally, local municipal leaders shared their insights, with Mayor Ito of Osaki City stating, “The council has created opportunities for continuous consumer engagement.” Mayor Endo from Wakuya Town emphasized commitment to protecting the livelihoods of both consumers and producers through sustainable agriculture, while Mayor Aizawa of Misato Town advocated for dialogue with consumers to address food security issues.
Takashi Nishida, an executive member of Palsystem Federation, highlighted that their aim is to combine production and consumption forces together with producers nationwide in order to create initiatives that safeguard lives. He emphasized the goal of sustainable food production and regional development through dialogue.
After the annual meeting, perspectives from both producers and consumers regarding the current state of rice cultivation were shared. Sano Iwao, a staff member from JA Shin-Miyagi, reported on the steady growth of rice plants, although there were concerns about water shortages. He mentioned that they are promoting the cultivation of germinated brown rice like 'Kin no Ibuki' by utilizing JA's storage facilities.
Producer Fumito Suzuki conveyed the challenges of increasing rice production, noting that although inquiries have surged, current fields are being used for growing barley and soybeans, and that irrigation facilities would need upgrades to facilitate a swift transition. The burdens on farmers are escalating, which has led to the initiation of direct seeding into dry fields, though dealing with weeds remains challenging.
In a similar vein, producer Mamoru Suda shared about the growth of organic rice crops planted in May, mentioning hands-on weed management and the anticipation of an earlier harvest in September.
Palsystem highlighted that consumers are experiencing challenges obtaining rice but highly value the reassurance of this quality food staple. Feedback such as the acknowledgment of the effort that producers exert amidst rising prices underscores the complex sentiments surrounding these issues.
Since the rice shortages of 1993 due to cool summers, Palsystem implemented a rice reservation system, a proactive measure that promises yearly purchases from users pre-planting, thus enabling regular deliveries post-harvest. This mechanism, affirmed by recent challenges from the pandemic and natural disasters, has served as a sustainable bridge between producers and consumers amidst uncertainties in supply.
The Miyagi Green Food and Agriculture Promotion Council was established in 2009 through the partnership of the Miyagi Agricultural Cooperative, the cities involved, and Palsystem Kanagawa. Its objective is to foster a symbiotic relationship between producers and consumers, ensuring resource recycling and environmental sustainability.
Consumers, by engaging directly with the producing areas and participating in the consumption of local varieties such as 'Miyagi Hitomebore' and 'Miyagi Kin no Ibuki', actively support local agriculture. Palsystem Kanagawa is dedicated to continuing its support of regional development alongside producers and consumers within the council.
As we approach 2025, designated as International Cooperative Year, the need for combined efforts towards sustainable agriculture and food security becomes crucial and remains at the forefront of ongoing initiatives.
For 2025, the council plans to focus on expanding regional information dissemination, increasing fans of local products, and strengthening regional cooperation through promotional activities via the web and social media. Utilizing the brand of 'Ohsaki Kodo', designated as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System, they aim to raise awareness about environmentally-friendly agricultural practices, such as the 'Eco-Challenge Rice' and organic rice production. Despite challenges such as rice shortages, the council is committed to creating more opportunities for interactions, learnings, and exchanges between producers and consumers, all while strengthening local collaborations.
During the opening remarks, Katsumi Onodera, the president of the council, shared anecdotes of encouragement and gratitude from consumers towards the exchange initiatives. He expressed excitement for the upcoming 30th anniversary of these interactions in two years.
Additionally, local municipal leaders shared their insights, with Mayor Ito of Osaki City stating, “The council has created opportunities for continuous consumer engagement.” Mayor Endo from Wakuya Town emphasized commitment to protecting the livelihoods of both consumers and producers through sustainable agriculture, while Mayor Aizawa of Misato Town advocated for dialogue with consumers to address food security issues.
Takashi Nishida, an executive member of Palsystem Federation, highlighted that their aim is to combine production and consumption forces together with producers nationwide in order to create initiatives that safeguard lives. He emphasized the goal of sustainable food production and regional development through dialogue.
Voices from Producers and Consumers on Rice Production Challenges
After the annual meeting, perspectives from both producers and consumers regarding the current state of rice cultivation were shared. Sano Iwao, a staff member from JA Shin-Miyagi, reported on the steady growth of rice plants, although there were concerns about water shortages. He mentioned that they are promoting the cultivation of germinated brown rice like 'Kin no Ibuki' by utilizing JA's storage facilities.
Producer Fumito Suzuki conveyed the challenges of increasing rice production, noting that although inquiries have surged, current fields are being used for growing barley and soybeans, and that irrigation facilities would need upgrades to facilitate a swift transition. The burdens on farmers are escalating, which has led to the initiation of direct seeding into dry fields, though dealing with weeds remains challenging.
In a similar vein, producer Mamoru Suda shared about the growth of organic rice crops planted in May, mentioning hands-on weed management and the anticipation of an earlier harvest in September.
Palsystem highlighted that consumers are experiencing challenges obtaining rice but highly value the reassurance of this quality food staple. Feedback such as the acknowledgment of the effort that producers exert amidst rising prices underscores the complex sentiments surrounding these issues.
Since the rice shortages of 1993 due to cool summers, Palsystem implemented a rice reservation system, a proactive measure that promises yearly purchases from users pre-planting, thus enabling regular deliveries post-harvest. This mechanism, affirmed by recent challenges from the pandemic and natural disasters, has served as a sustainable bridge between producers and consumers amidst uncertainties in supply.
Continued Collaboration for Sustainable Production and Consumption
The Miyagi Green Food and Agriculture Promotion Council was established in 2009 through the partnership of the Miyagi Agricultural Cooperative, the cities involved, and Palsystem Kanagawa. Its objective is to foster a symbiotic relationship between producers and consumers, ensuring resource recycling and environmental sustainability.
Consumers, by engaging directly with the producing areas and participating in the consumption of local varieties such as 'Miyagi Hitomebore' and 'Miyagi Kin no Ibuki', actively support local agriculture. Palsystem Kanagawa is dedicated to continuing its support of regional development alongside producers and consumers within the council.
As we approach 2025, designated as International Cooperative Year, the need for combined efforts towards sustainable agriculture and food security becomes crucial and remains at the forefront of ongoing initiatives.
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.