#Japan #Hino #Hino City #Minamihei Farm #community farming

The Launch of Minamihei Exchange Farm

In September 2023, Hino City will unveil a groundbreaking initiative: the Minamihei Exchange Farm. This innovative community farm aims to connect individuals through agriculture, promoting a hands-on approach to farming and fostering social interactions among participants. By engaging locals in collaborative farming activities, the city seeks to breathe new life into its agricultural scene and encourage a connection to farming among younger generations.

A Unique Approach to Community Farming

The Minamihei Exchange Farm is unlike any other in Japan, marking the first endeavor by a municipality to operate a fully-fledged community farm. This initiative addresses the challenges faced by existing citizen farms in the region, where participation has diminished. Recent surveys indicated that nearly 80% of current users are over 60 years old, highlighting a disconnect with younger demographics who often find barriers to entry into farming.

To revitalize interest, Hino City organized workshops aimed at younger residents, focusing on inclusivity and accessibility. Feedback from these sessions revealed a desire not only to cultivate crops but also to learn collaboratively, experience the joys of farming, and develop new friendships in the process.

Key Features of Minamihei Exchange Farm

The Minamihei Exchange Farm is designed to encourage participants to work together in planning, soil preparation, and harvesting. This collaborative approach diverges from traditional individual-focused gardening experiences — see below for a comparison of the characteristics.







The farm’s location is conveniently situated at 2-68-2 Minamihei, as part of the Minamihei Citizen Farm. The farm will be operational from September 2023 until March 2024, with joint workdays occurring nearly every Saturday. Experienced coordinators will assist newcomers until they feel comfortable with the tasks. Participation is affordable, costing just 1,100 yen per household each month, with the annual payment required. Applications for the farm will be accepted between August 12 and August 20, 2023, during which interested residents can obtain application forms at an information session.

Informational Meeting Details

To better inform potential participants, an information session is scheduled for August 12, 2023, from 10:00 to 11:30 AM at the Fukushi Enterprise Minamihei Arena (Minamihei Gymnasium). Attendees can sign up through an online form or contact the Urban Agriculture Promotion Office at (042) 514-8447. Please note that if applications exceed 40 households, a lottery system will determine acceptance.

Showcasing Community Spirit

The Minamihei Exchange Farm stands as a promising venture into the world of community-supported agriculture, encouraging connections among residents and fostering appreciation for urban farming. To capture the essence of the preparatory efforts leading up to the farm's opening, a short video featuring the preparation team is available for viewing. This video will give prospective participants a behind-the-scenes look at the enthusiasm and teamwork involved in establishing this community-focused space.

By creating a supportive environment for learning and collaboration, Hino City aims to enrich the agricultural landscape while welcoming residents into a fulfilling communal experience that goes beyond mere farming.