About the producer

Blessed with clean water and sandy, well-drained soil, this land has been used for rice cultivation for over 200 years.
We take advantage of the power of nature and cultivate our rice carefully every year using cultivation methods that comply with local standards.

"Once you try it, you'll definitely notice the difference."
-- Producer Yoshida-san

Interview

Producer Interview

1

Hear about the history and background of the farm

What prompted you to start growing rice on this land?

He is currently the eighth generation of the Yoshida family to have inherited the land and farming business.

Are there any ideas or customs that you have inherited from generations that you hold dear?

Water management during the rice production stage is extremely important. Depending on the year, the quality of the rice can deteriorate from grade 1 to grade 2.

Are there any characteristics of the region or land that you feel are unique to this place?

Delicious rice is produced thanks to the paddy fields that draw in clean water from a first-class river (Omono River) and the sandy soil.

2

Relationship with nature (in line with the flow of water, soil, and people)

How do the natural environment of this area, such as the Omono River and meltwater, affect rice cultivation?

Delicious rice is produced thanks to the paddy fields that draw in clean water from a first-class river (Omono River) and the sandy soil.

What do you pay particular attention to when creating soil? (Fertilizer, compost, circulation, etc.)

To keep the ratio of organic matter in the soil constant, rice straw is mixed in and silica is supplied to stimulate the roots. The soil is tilled deeply.

What was your motivation for starting to reduce the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers?

We understand that consumers are very concerned about food safety, and we strive to provide more organic matter by reducing the use of chemical fertilizers.

3

Daily commitment and values

When growing rice, are there any tasks or habits that you "never skip"?

Enriching the soil microorganisms.

What are the challenges and tricks you come up with when working with nature?

It is dependent on the weather. This year in particular, the lack of rain has led to a drought, meaning that water could not be supplied at the time when rice cultivation most needed it, and the intense heat has led to a decline in quality (white immature grains). In addition, damage caused by typhoons (rice plants falling over and sticking to the ground) also contributes to a decrease in harvest volume.

What is the most important thing when growing rice?

Soil preparation, seedling cultivation (growth management), water management

4

Thoughts as a "person"

What is the happiest moment in your career?

The difficult period from rice planting in May to rice harvesting in October is over, and the rice is inspected and rated as first-grade rice, giving it a high rating for quality.

How do you interact with your family and the local community?

During busy seasons such as sowing seeds, transplanting rice, and harvesting rice, the whole family works together, sharing the housework and child-rearing responsibilities. They also work together with local residents to maintain irrigation channels and weed the rice paddies.

What kind of feeling do you want to convey to people who eat your rice?

The thing that makes me happiest is when people say "It's delicious." Just hearing that comment motivates me to work hard at the tough farm work. I carefully carry out each task, from preparing the soil to planting and harvesting.
In particular, soil preparation is essential for the healthy growth of rice, so the farm is focusing on using organic matter and channeling water from the Omono River, a first-class river, through appropriate water pipes to create a healthy soil environment.

5

Hopes for the future

Is there anything you would like to try in the future or anything you would like to continue to protect?

The decline in the number of people working in agriculture due to aging is a serious issue. In the future, I would like to focus on creating systems that will attract the younger generation to agriculture and nurturing new farmers. I also want to reduce abandoned farmland and protect local farmland.

What do you want to pass on to the next generation?

I would like to pass on to younger generations farming methods that do not rely too much on chemical fertilizers, but continue to create land using organic matter such as compost, and bring out the soil's natural power.