Friday, February 21, 2025
On Tuesday, February 18th, in the Mayor's Office at Hokuryu Town Hall, the "Sunflower Watermelon Farmer Training Guidelines" by Akimitsu Takada, president of the Sunflower Watermelon Producers Association, and Kosuke Sato were submitted and reported to Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki.
"Guidelines for training new sunflower and watermelon farmers"
The "Guidelines for Training New Sunflower and Watermelon Farmers" define a system for new farmers in the Hokuryu Town Sunflower and Watermelon Producers Association to become independent as producers from the perspectives of Hokuryu Town, the Producers Association, leading farmers, and trainees, and were established with the aim of building a system of cooperation among them.
High-quality training, obstacles (disclaimers), responsibilities and roles of each party involved, and cooperation structures are all carefully defined.
The story of Kosuke Sato
"These guidelines are merely a first step, and our goal lies beyond that.
First, we present measures to alleviate the anxiety of job seekers when choosing a job, as well as the attractive selling points of the production cooperative.
Furthermore, I feel that there is a need to disseminate information to highlight Hokuryu Town's 40 years of agricultural achievements and brand power, and to further strengthen this.
By improving the training content and support system and clearly identifying risk areas, weaknesses can be turned into strengths.
To create a system to highlight this strength, we plan to promote the town's attractions on the Hokuryu Town Homepage and Hokuryu Town Portal, as well as create and distribute a more detailed and comprehensive paper pamphlet.
As a result, we hope to gain more trust and credibility, which will lead to an increase in applications for new farming jobs," explains Sato.
A talk by Akimitsu Takada, the union president
"The trainees who have visited Hokuryu so far have a broad perspective and are able to see the charm of Hokuryu from a variety of different points of view.
I treasure the connections I have made with the young people who trained in Hokuryu Town. I still keep in touch with several of them. I listen to them, offer my advice, and look after them like my own children.
The current problem is the preparation of land at the start of new farming. This has been pointed out for a long time. Our farm is preparing land (8 tan) for new farmers. We have secured one piece of land by leasing it as land for new farmers to become independent.
We are also preparing a seedling facility where trainees can train alongside new farmers during their training period.
"Nowadays, it's quite difficult to find land with a house and barn attached. However, I feel that it's necessary to create an acceptance system, assuming that even homes in town can be monitored and controlled using remote monitoring devices and greenhouse control systems (systems that can automate opening and closing, remotely monitor, and remotely control systems, etc., and can be operated with a smartphone)," says Takada, offering various suggestions.
Message from Mayor Yasuhiro Sasaki
"The town will also be completely revamping its website starting in April. This is a great proposal that came at a very good time. The town will do its best to cooperate as much as possible. We look forward to growing the best sunflower watermelons!" said Mayor Sasaki.
We sincerely hope that the "Sunflower and Watermelon New Farmer Training Guidelines" will help build a solid system across the town, deepen trust, and support the training of new farmers, leading to the development of agriculture in Hokuryu Town.
Other photos
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◇ Interview and text: Ikuko Terauchi (photography and editing assistance: Noboru Terauchi)
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