A training program for agricultural newcomers, implemented by Oita Prefectural Government, has achieved a remarkable result in helping the newcomers from other prefectures to settle in the Oita prefecture.
Mr. And Mrs. Tsukakoshi are now participating in a traing course on green pepper production in a green house. (Bungo-Ohno-shi, Oita prefecture)
Practical training courses such as one-year trial of farm management have received a good reputation among the newcomers in agriculture.
Under the current training system, the number of agricultural newcomers from other prefectures has continuously increased from 22 persons in 2011 to 58 persons in 2015.
The Prefectural Government supports the new entrants in farming from other prefectures by providing an empty house to them, which is indispensable for new farmers moving to a rural society. This support is also helpful for the newcomers not only to feel relieved, but also to encourage their motivation for starting a farming business.
The training program of the Oita Prefectural Government includes a seminar for agricultural newcomers, named as “Farmer’s School” held at facilities of local governments, as well as a field training course for learning agricultural technology from senior farmers on their farms.
Koichi Tsukakoshi, 32, and his wife Haruka Tsukakoshi, 32, have been taking part in the training program since this January. They plan to move from Gunma prefecture to Oita prefecture for joining the rural community as new entrants in farming.
“The training program is full of hands-on experiences. We can study lots of things from professional farmers. These experiences are really encouraging us to start our carrier as new farmers,” Koichi Tsukakoshi said.