Creating Opportunities in Agriculture for Employees with Disabilities at Pasona Heartful

Pasona Heartful, a subsidiary of the Pasona Group located in Minato City, Tokyo, is committed to fostering connections between employees with disabilities and the local community through agriculture. As a part of this initiative, they will be hosting the "Rice Planting Experience" in Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture on May 9, providing opportunities for interaction via farming activities.

The initiative is part of Pasona Heartful's "Yume Farm" project, which aims to support the independence and employment of individuals with intellectual disabilities. At Yume Farm, these employees cultivate rice and other agricultural products while collaborating with local farmers facing labor shortages and high school students in horticulture programs. This collaborative effort strengthens bonds within the community, allowing for deeper interactions.

This year's "Rice Planting Experience" represents a first-of-its-kind opportunity, as participants will engage in hand-planting rice in collaboration with Yume Farm. For the first time, strawberry picking will also be included in the activities. Through the experiences of planting and harvesting, employees with disabilities and community participants will have a chance to deepen their mutual understanding and appreciation of agricultural practices.

Additionally, a portion of the rice harvested during this event will be donated to food pantries in Tokyo through volunteer organizations, contributing to food security for those in need.

Through this initiative, Pasona Heartful aims to highlight the talents and abilities of employees with disabilities while also addressing the needs of families grappling with poverty.

Event Details for the "Rice Planting Experience"

- Date: May 9, 2026 (Saturday) from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM (tentative)
- Location: 678 Iwai, Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture
- Participants: Open to residents of Kashiwa City, employees of Pasona Group, and their families
- Activities: The event will kick off with the "Rice Planting Experience", where participants will engage in rice planting and optionally enjoy strawberry picking after the main activity.

Schedule:

- 11:00 AM: Start rice planting
- 12:30 PM: Finish rice planting
- 12:40 PM: Strawberry picking
- 1:30 PM: Conclusion of the event

- Participation Fee: 15,000 yen (including tax), which encompasses both the rice planting and subsequent harvest event in September, along with 15 kg of the harvested rice.

- Contact Information: Pasona Heartful Farm Business Division (Komakino) Tel 03-6734-1093 Email [email protected]

About Yume Farm’s Initiatives

Founded in collaboration with social welfare corporations and special support schools, Yume Farm was established in 2006 in Yachiyo City and further expanded in 2009 to Nagareyama City. In 2013, they received management designation for a training farm for individuals with disabilities in Soka City.

Members with severe disabilities, who often find it challenging to work in conventional office environments, are nurtured into becoming “agricultural professionals.” Supported by agricultural experts, they cultivate vegetables, rice, and fruits, with around fifty types of produce sold both internally and via an online store (art-mura-onlineshop.com).

Through such endeavors, Pasona Heartful not only supports the professional growth of individuals with disabilities but also contributes positively to the community by promoting healthy agricultural practices and providing necessary food resources.