#Sustainability #Japan #Odawara #Palsystem

Odawara's Food and Green Exchange Council Meeting

On June 29, 2023, the Odawara Food and Green Exchange Council, composed of Palsystem Kanagawa, Palsystem Federation, and Joy Farm Odawara, convened its 24th regular meeting at the Ume no Sato Center in Odawara. During the meeting, all four proposed agenda items, including the 2025 fiscal year plan, were unanimously approved, marking a significant step towards fostering sustainable agricultural practices and community engagement in the Odawara region.

Focus on Regional Issues and Consumer Interaction

The Council reported on its activities for the fiscal year 2024, aiming to create open dialogues among producers, consumers, and local authorities about the challenges faced in the Odawara area. Events such as the Onion Festival and the Citrus Thank You Festival were held, bringing together over 526 participants to deepen connections between producers and consumers. Collaborative initiatives with Nihon University’s Department of Food Business also reinforced local agricultural ties, with students researching and presenting ways to enhance the consumption of local produce.

One noteworthy project from the cooperation was the promotion of 'Nōfuku Renkei shiitake mushrooms', produced by individuals with disabilities alongside the Heart Coop Kanagawa, a subsidiary of Palsystem Kanagawa. Students proposed and organized a 'blue lemon' harvest tour at Joy Farm Odawara, showcasing their findings on expanding the market for harvested products. Moreover, products like umeboshi from Joy Farm’s manufacturing process and various citrus syrups were marketed exclusively through Palsystem Kanagawa.

Aspiring Towards 2030: A Vision for Odawara

The ambition for the fiscal year 2025 aligns with the vision set for 2030 to promote Odawara’s allure while ensuring ongoing craftsmanship thrives in the region. The meeting emphasized the importance of collaboration to address challenges, ultimately advocating for a robust foundation for sustainable growth. The objective is to promote understanding among stakeholders and create platforms that highlight the region's rich natural resources and cultural heritage.

Council President Torii Keishin reflected on the evolving dynamics of society and agriculture since the Council's inception in 2002, stressing the importance of mutual understanding between producers and consumers. He expressed his commitment to fostering sustainable community development together. Similarly, former Palsystem President Masakazu Oshin underscored the engagement of 3,200 people through Council-supported events, citing successful instances where participants transitioned into farming.



The Council approved a new leadership plan for 2025, appointing Sōya Hasegawa as the new president during the board meeting that followed.

Since its establishment in 2002 by the Odawara Direct Sales Union and the Palsystem Federation, the Council has worked toward creating a base for local production and consumption, aiming to invigorate the community while promoting sustainable food and agriculture through various initiatives.

NPO Activities and Ongoing Developments

Before the Council's meeting, the NPO Odawara Food and Green also held its 21st regular meeting, unanimously approving four agenda items, including its business plan for 2025. Activities like the 'Rice Field School' and 'Field School' remain highly sought after despite external challenges, such as rising rice prices, to ensure long-lasting impacts on the community.

Palsystem Kanagawa continues its commitment to supporting local producers and users, working in tandem to build a better future for the Odawara region.

Additional Information

• - Palsystem Kanagawa

Headquarters: 3-18-16 Shin-Yokohama, Kohoku Ward, Yokohama City
Chairman: Junko Fujita
Capital: 119.8 billion yen
Members: 368,000
Total Business Revenue: 57.02 billion yen (as of March 2025)
Website: Palsystem Kanagawa

• - Palsystem Federation

Headquarters: 2-2-6 Okubo, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Chairman: Atonoshizu Shirakawa
Total Revenue: 260.42 billion yen / Total Membership: 1.762 million (as of March 2025)
Member cooperatives include Palsystem Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, and others
Website: Palsystem Federation

The year 2025 will also be observed as the International Year of Cooperatives, marking an essential moment for collaborative efforts in various regions.