Author Archives: The Japan Agricultural News

【News】 Member farmers of Inashiki Agricultural Cooperative celebrate the debut of GI Mark-labeled “Edosaki-pumpkins” in the market, Ibaraki prefecture (May 19, 2016)

“Edosaki-pumpkin” producers’ organization of Inashiki Agricultural Cooperative (JA), based at Inashiki-shi, Ibaraki prefecture, celebrated the first shipment of members’ products this year on May 18, since the “Edosaki-pumpkin” was registered last December under the Geographical Indication (GI) Protection System in Japan, which was founded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) in June 2015. The “Edosaki-pumpkin” was authorized by MAFF as a GI product earlier than any other applicants. A MAFF-authorized GI label was affixed on each package of the pumpkins. In commemoration of the first marketing of the GI marked pumpkins, JA Inashiki has prepared a new brochure of the products and special flags to further promote … Continue reading

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【News】 Watermelon producers being evacuated to greenhouses continue shipment of their products in Kumamoto prefecture (May 19, 2016)

In Mashiki-machi, Kumamoto prefecture, shipment of watermelons, special products of the prefecture, has been continuing although most of the producers had their houses heavily damaged or collapsed by the powerful earthquakes striking the town on Aril 14 and 16. Some of those producers have been evacuated to their greenhouse for growing watermelons, while others are staying in their automobiles. One month has passed since the earthquake hardly hit the town, but it is still difficult for them to work out a plan for revitalizing their life. Nevertheless, producers maintain their hard working saying “We cannot afford to be depressed so many days.” Yuichi Murakami, 47, is a farmer growing watermelons … Continue reading

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【News】 “Yuru-chara Kumamon” comes to Ginza Streets in Tokyo to thank for warm supports provided to quake victims in Kumamoto prefecture (May 18, 2016)

Kumamoto prefecture’s PR mascot character “Kumamon,” one of the nationally popular “yuru-charas” (literally, loose characters), visited “Ginza Kumamoto-Kan,” on May 17, which is an “antenna shop” operated by the Kumamoto Prefectural Government in Ginza streets, Tokyo, to sell prefectural specialties as well as to acquire information on trends and tastes of the metropolitan residents. “Kumamon” came to the shop first time after the heavy earthquakes hit the Kumamoto region in the middle of April. The “yuru-chara” expressed thanks by making a deep bow to the customers visiting the shop to buy the prefectural specialties to support victims of the disaster. A wide assortment of goods is now available at the … Continue reading

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【News】 Tentatively estimated damages to agriculture, forestry and fishery industries by the Kumamoto earthquake total 134.5 billion yen (May 14, 2016)

According to the estimates publicized by the Kumamoto Prefectural Government on May 13, damages sustained to agriculture, forestry and fishery industries in the prefecture following the Kumamoto earthquakes and aftershocks have totaled around 134.5 billion yen. More than 7700 farmlands and agricultural facilities have been damaged. Continuing aftershocks, however, make it difficult for the prefectural government to determine to what amount those damages should total. Figures of the damages are expected to further rise. The total damage was put at the preliminary 134.5 billion yen by the prefectural government on the basis of latest estimates made by local municipalities and its own estimate. The agriculture in the prefecture has sustained … Continue reading

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【News】Chisen-Botan: Breath-taking flower carpet in Matsue-shi, Shimane Prefecture (May 8, 2016)

In late April, the pond is filled with over 30,000 blossoms of peonies. The attraction is called Sanmanrin-no-Chisen-Botan, meaning ponds with 30,000 peony blossoms in Japanese, and held in Yuushien Japanese garden on the Daikon Island in Matsue-shi, Shimane Prefecture. The island is the largest producer of young peonies and these flowers are gathered from local peony farmers, 30 of them in total this year. The breath-taking scene first appeared four years ago as the highlight of the garden’s spring peony festival and with the aim of bringing more people to the island. In 2015, during the festival that offers this very exclusive experience, the garden was visited by approximately … Continue reading

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