ZEN-NOH (National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations), agricultural cooperatives’ (JAs’) national business organization, headquartered at Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, launched a business of assisting condominium residents in opening a small-sized farmer’s market named “marché” in their common area of the large-sized condominium building. The opening of marchés at condos in big cities’ residential resion is expected not only to be useful for the residents to create a network of communication among themselves, but also helpful for aged residents to access their own “marché” within their residential area. Aged people called “disadvantaged shoppers” are increasing among condo residents as well, who have difficulties in accessing grocery stores located at distant places. ZEN-NOH now … Continue reading →

Representatives of agricultural cooperative (JA) organizations, led by Choe Okuno, president of JA-ZENCHU (Central Union of Agricultural Cooperatives), paid a courtesy call on Yuji Yamamoto, newly appointed Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), at MAFF’s office in Kasumigaseki, Tokyo on August 5. inister Yamamoto and delegates of the JA group shared a common perspective of developing Japanese agriculture into a growth-oriented industry. They also agreed to promote close dialogue between themselves by meeting together on a regular basis. At the meeting with MAFF’s new leader, JA-ZENCHU’s president Okuno congratulated Yuji Yamamoto on joining the new Cabinet as the Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Minister Yamamoto responded to the … Continue reading →