The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has been using the mountain topography for more than 400 years to produce mandarin oranges as a candidate site for a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System, which is certified as a region that works on traditional agriculture and ecosystem protection. I chose the Arita/Shimotsu area in Wakayama Prefecture to work on.
"Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems" are recognized by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) for traditional agriculture that makes the most of nature, rural landscapes, and ecosystem protection. 72 regions in 23 countries have been selected.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Arita-Shimotsu area in Wakayama Prefecture was selected as a new domestic candidate site as a result of examination by experts.
Since the beginning of the Edo period, more than 400 years ago, this area has developed as a production area for Wenzhou mandarin oranges, using the mountain topography and building vast orchards by stacking stones in a stepped pattern.
It is expected that the application will be formally submitted through the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in the fall of this year and will be reviewed by FAO.
At the same time, the "Japanese Agricultural Heritage" certified by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries was also announced. The Hiki Hills area in Saitama Prefecture, which has been farming for many years by managing ponds with only rainwater as a water source, was selected.