Monday, September 13, 2021
On Friday, September 10th, the first shipment of new sunflower rice (brewer's rice, glutinous rice, and non-glutinous rice) from the 2021 harvest was made at the JA Kitasorachi Hokuryu Branch (Branch Manager: Kimitoshi Washio).
Three farmers, Yasunori Watanabe, Keiji Fujii, and Takashi Ishii, brought their new rice to the agricultural product collection and shipping facility. This year, there were concerns about low temperatures and a lack of rain in early spring, but they adjusted the amount of water in the paddies and are said to be doing very well.
JA Kitasorachi Hokuryu Branch Agricultural Product Collection and Shipping Facility

New rice loaded into a container
Newly delivered rice
A commemorative photo of everyone celebrating
A celebratory gift of sake was presented to celebrate the first shipment.
A speech by Takafumi Kashiwagi, Representative Director and Chairman of JA Kitasorachi
"This year's rice yield is not bad at all the branches. As for quality, I was shown the polished rice for the first time today. Perhaps because the temperature was a little high, there are some cloudy white rice grains. We can remove the cloudy white rice with machines, but if we do too much it can cause yield problems, so it depends on the situation.
The Sorachi region accounts for nearly 50% of the total cultivated area and shipping volume of Hokkaido, and has a significant impact on Hokkaido's production volume.
The messages about rice, which is a gift in return for hometown tax donations, have been highly praised by many people. In particular, many people have written highly positive comments about Hokuryu Town's sunflower rice. I believe this is the result of the efforts of the Hokuryu Town Hall and other related parties, such as disseminating information.
"We have been blessed with good weather this year, so I think the rice is delicious. I would love for as many people as possible to try Kita Sorachi rice," said Kashiwagi.
JA Kitasorachi Hokuryu Branch (Hokuryu Town)
With boundless love, gratitude and prayers for the new rice from Hokuryu Town, which has been lovingly and lovingly grown and is brimming with vitality, and boasts the finest flavor...
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JA Kitasorachi contributes to the local community through agricultural promotion.
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◇ Photography and editing: Noboru Terauchi Interview and text: Ikuko Terauchi
