#Japan #Tokyo #Agricultural Innovation #Ridilover #Rural Development

Revitalizing Agricultural Communities: Third Symposium Overview

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) is set to host the third symposium on March 13, 2026, focusing on revitalizing Japan's rural and fishing communities. Conducted in hybrid format at the MAFF auditorium and online, the symposium is aimed at exploring sustainable solutions for local economies. Organised by Ridilover, this event draws upon funding from the Fiscal Year 2026 rural community revitalization grants.

Key Details of the Event

Date and Time

March 13, 2026
Start: 1:00 PM
End: 6:30 PM
Venue Opens: 12:30 PM
The symposium will kick off with an opening address by MAFF’s Rural Development Bureau Chief, Hiroshi Matsumoto, followed by a series of programs designed to showcase successful models of collaboration.

Venue

MAFF Auditorium (7th Floor)
Address: 1-2-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Capacity: 200 in-person attendees, unlimited online access.

Registration

Participants can register via the provided link until March 12, 2026, at 11:59 PM. Early registration is advisable as in-person slots are limited and will be closed without prior notice once full.

Symposium Highlights

A Platform for Collaboration

This symposium is the third in its series, dedicated to addressing rural challenges through collaborative efforts between the public, private sectors, and educational institutions. A total of six programs will incorporate contributions from various stakeholders to discuss their insights and future prospects.

Program Breakdown

1. Welcoming Remarks (1:00-1:05 PM)
- Speaker: Hiroshi Matsumoto, MAFF

2. Opening Session: Discussing Policy and the Future of Rural Areas (1:05-1:35 PM)
- Focusing on sustainable social systems in rural areas amid depopulation and aging, this session will highlight MAFF's objectives and policies for encouraging collaborative solutions.
- Speakers Include: Toshiki Abe, CEO of Ridilover, and Hitoshi Kawamura, Head of the Rural Policy Division at MAFF.

3. Recognition of New Contribution Activity Certification System (1:35-2:00 PM)
- This new system certifies corporate participation in rural revitalization efforts, with a presentation of awardees and their projects.

4. Building Impactful Connections (2:10-3:00 PM)
- Discussing the significance of continuing relationships between farms and corporates collaborating for social impact, through the endorsement of new impact certification.

5. Student Engagement: Shaping the Future (3:30-4:15 PM)
- Focused on enhancing student involvement in community development and identifying sustainable practices that align student activities with local benefits.

6. Cross-Ministry Cooperation for Multifaceted Synergy (4:15-5:00 PM)
- Exploring various government initiatives that could support rural communities and their integration with diverse sectors.

7. AI and Agriculture: Opportunities in a Declining Population (5:05-5:50 PM)
- A discussion on how AI and other advanced technologies can tackle challenges in rural areas, fostering enhancements in agricultural productivity.

8. Networking Time (5:50-6:30 PM)
- Participants will have the opportunity for face-to-face discussions with speakers throughout the breaks and during the networking session.

Conclusion

The 3rd Symposium on the Agricultural and Rural Economic Revitalization Platform aims not only to address existing challenges but also to pave the way for new opportunities in the agricultural and fishing sectors. By fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders, this initiative seeks to create sustainable methods for revitalizing rural Japan and ensuring the future of its communities.

For more details on the conference, visit the registration link or reach out to Ridilover for inquiries. Together, let’s cultivate better futures for rural areas!