Minabe-Tanabe ume Japanese apricot system in Wakayama Prefecture handed down for 400 years

WAKAYAMA, April 3 — Agriculture journalist Ayumi Kotani visits sites in Japan designated as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) to gain insights into revitalizing agriculture and farming villages for a sustainable future. Visitors to the Minabe and Tanabe districts in Wakayama Prefecture in early spring are impressed by ume Japanese apricot trees in full bloom turning mountain slopes here and there all white. In particular, Nanbu ume groves in the town of Minabe offer a superb view overlooking the ocean, with some 30,000 people visiting the area during the ume blossom season. “Visitors are surprised by how steep the slopes are and ask us how the harvesting is done, … Continue reading

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Local governments and research institutions work on reducing caffeine in green tea

TOKYO, April 9 — As drinks with less caffeine attract attention, efforts are made to develop green tea products with reduced caffeine. Research institutions, such as those affiliated with local governments, are working to determine low-caffeine tea varieties or the harvesting time when tea leaves contain less caffeine, as well as establishing their own processing technology to reduce caffeine content. They are aiming at seeking new demands and expanding exports. There are some low-caffeine green tea products, but the lineup has not taken root as such items require designated facilities and knowhow to produce, and their flavor and color change when caffeine is taken out. Many prefectures are attempting to … Continue reading

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Citrus farm supporter program bearing fruit, to take root also as new tourism attraction in Onomichi, Hiroshima

HIROSHIMA, Apr. 8 – “Citrus Supporter” program led by the Onomichi Tourist Association in Hiroshima Prefecture has become a successfully model to help citrus farm operators on the islands of Setouchi Inland Sea. The citrus section of a local agricultural cooperative association in Hiroshima Prefecture, JA Hiroshima, also supports the program by gathering Cito-supo (a shorter name for Citrus Supporters) for farmers facing workforce shortages. The program has approximately 130 registered members, many from Hiroshima and some from other prefectures. The association intends to make it a new tourist attraction, bring more people, and revitalize the regional economy. The scheme was launched in January 2022. Many citrus farmers on Setouchi … Continue reading

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Spring has come turning water’s surface pink

FUKUSHIMA, Apr. 1 – A 200-year-old weeping Shidare cherry blossom tree is in full bloom on the bank of an agricultural pond in Tanagura Town, Fukushima Prefecture. The Edo-higan variety cherry tree stands out on the dike between the reservoir and rice fields. When there is no wind, you can also enjoy the “upside-down cherry blossom tree” on the water’s surface. This year, the tree started to bloom on March 15, 10 days earlier than usual. Volunteers from the Hanazono Branch of the Tanagura Tourism Association cut weeds and maintain the area. When the tree is in full bloom, they serve drinks, hold a concert, and sell locally-harvested rice called … Continue reading

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An agricultural corporation in Japan starts growing strawberries in New Zealand to secure year-round supply

CHIBA, April 3 — JAS, an agricultural production corporation in Minamiboso, Chiba Prefecture, began growing strawberries in New Zealand where seasons are opposite. The corporation aims to realize year-round supply of strawberries by producing them abroad during summer when domestic yield is low. It manages the crops remotely from Japan using its own environmental control system. JAS grows strawberries including the Benihoppe and Oi C Berry varieties on its 1.4-hectare farm with the annual yield of around 70 tons. It ties up with farms in four locations nationwide to engage in other businesses such as sales of seedlings and agritourism. At all of the farms, including the one in New … Continue reading

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