#Japan #Tokyo #Sustainable Agriculture #Organic Farming

2023 Sustainable Agriculture Promotion Contest Winners

The results are in for the 2023 Sustainable Agriculture Promotion Contest, organized annually by Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF). This initiative aims to recognize farmers and organizations demonstrating outstanding efforts towards sustainable agricultural practices.

In accordance with its continuous push for organic farming and environmentally friendly agriculture, the ministry announced the winners in two prize categories: the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award and the Director of Agricultural Production Bureau Award. The award ceremony, along with an online seminar focusing on organic agriculture, will take place on January 14, 2024, at the MAFF headquarters in Tokyo.

Contest Overview

MAFF strives to maintain sustainability in agricultural production activities by utilizing natural cycles to reduce environmental burdens related to agriculture. The focus has shifted towards promoting organic farming as a viable method of ensuring ecological balance and increasing productivity in the agricultural sector. In May 2021, the government introduced the “Green Food System Strategy” designed to enhance production capabilities while maintaining sustainability. This strategy emphasizes expanding the area dedicated to organic farming practices.

Every year, the Sustainable Agriculture Promotion Contest aims to grant recognition to farmers engaged in innovative management practices, technological advancements, and the dissemination of sustainable agricultural methods. This year, the award focus was specifically on the Organic and Environmental Conservation Agriculture sector.

Winners of the Contest

The winners in the organic farming category include notable recipients:

• - Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award: Tsukubetsu Town Organic Dairy Research Group, located in Tsukubetsu, Hokkaido.
• - Director of Agricultural Production Bureau Award: Three recipients: 1) Ohtsuka Farm Co., Ltd. based in Shinshinotsu Village, Hokkaido; 2) Natural Farming Group in Aizumisato, Fukushima; 3) JA Yasato Organic Cultivation Division in Ishioka City, Ibaraki.

These awardees exemplify excellence in enhancing community development, increasing the production and consumption of organic agricultural products, and minimizing environmental impacts—contributing positively to biodiversity conservation.

Award Ceremony and Online Seminar

The award ceremony is scheduled for January 14, 2024, from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM, at MAFF's Tokyo Headquarters (address: 1-2-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda, Tokyo). The event will also be available online for broader accessibility. The agenda includes:

• - Part 1: Award Ceremony for the Sustainable Agriculture Promotion Contest (1:30 PM - 3:00 PM)

1. Opening Remarks
2. Introduction by organizer
3. Presentation of awards
4. Group Photograph
5. Presentations from award winners about their initiatives
6. Closing Remarks

• - Part 2: Third Local Government Seminar (3:00 PM - 4:00 PM)

- Presentations from municipalities working in organic farming
- Information sharing from MAFF

How to Participate

Participants are primarily encouraged to join online. Interested individuals must fill out the application form available on the designated website: Join Zoom Webinar.

• - Note: Each participant must provide their information, even if applying for multiple attendees.
• - MAFF will contact participants individually only in the event that registration exceeds capacity. All personal information collected will be securely managed and used strictly for participant verification. The webinar link will be sent via a confirmation email a day prior to the event.
• - Application Deadline: January 12, 2024.

Media Inquiries
Journalists wishing to attend should indicate their desire to cover the event when applying, and they will be provided with seating. It is essential to present press credentials at the venue reception on the day of the event.

For further information, additional materials regarding the evaluation committee and a comprehensive listing of farming initiatives are available in PDF format.