Why is it popular now?

Agriculture entry from different industries December 2nd 17:36

Agriculture has continued to suffer from a shortage of workers as the population ages.

However, the number of cases in which inexperienced young people enter the market is increasing.

When I interviewed the site, the image of the old days changed completely.

A new form of agriculture was beginning to spread.

(Economic Department reporter Misato Yasui)

Farming consultation meeting overflowing with young people

Hearing that more and more people are starting farming from other industries, the first thing I visited was a consultation meeting for people who are aiming to start farming.

What stood out was the appearance of young people in their 20s and 30s.

I asked the people who attended.

Company employee (29)

“Of course, I have an image that it will be difficult, but I think that there are few people who can handle everything from production to sales in agriculture, so if there are people with business experience, I think it can be more active. I saw a booth, and I thought it was very possible."

Financial institution worker (24)

"I've come to think that it would be great if I could grow food with my own hands and see the happy faces of customers who are delivering it directly. I want to do more research in the future."

Koji Yano, who organized the event, says that the spread of the new coronavirus and changes in the world situation are one of the reasons why young people want to pursue agriculture.

Koji Yano, who hosted the event, said,

"The spread of the new coronavirus has hit the restaurant and service industries, and those people are also taking a new interest in agriculture. From interest in Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the SDGs. I think that self-sufficiency thinking and immigration thinking that is not particular about the city center are becoming stronger.Because there are plenty of government support systems, I feel that it is becoming a career choice for young people. "

From designer to strawberry farmer

I actually visited people who entered agriculture from different industries.

My name is Yoshishi Kobayashi (31) from Higashiomi City, Shiga Prefecture.

Three years ago, I attended an agricultural seminar as part of my job search, and since then I've been thinking about a plan for a farm.

In March 2021, he opened a strawberry farm, and spent a year learning the techniques necessary for farming at a local agricultural university.

The capital investment cost 26 million yen, but most of it was able to be borrowed without interest from a government-affiliated financial institution.

Originally, Mr. Kobayashi worked as a designer at a publishing company and was in charge of designing advertisements for free newspapers.

I make use of my skills to create farm logos and signboards, as well as create illustrations of daily happenings and post them on social media.

Earnings are not yet stable as the business has just opened.

Still, when I asked him what the farm would look like in the future, he drew this illustration.

In addition to starting strawberry picking from this season, we would like to eventually set up outdoor facilities around the bonfire to create a space that visitors can enjoy.

Ms. Yoshishi Kobayashi:

“I get advice from veteran farmers in the neighborhood, and I feel that the support from the prefecture and the city is generous. I want to do it while having fun."

What is an agricultural corporation?

Some of you may be thinking, "I'm certainly interested in farming, but I don't think it's a good idea to suddenly have your own farm."

It is "agricultural corporation" that has become a receptacle for such people.

According to the 2020 survey, there are more than 30,000 companies in Japan, and about 10,000 companies have increased in 10 years.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the number of people who newly entered agricultural corporations and started farming reached 11,570 last year, a record high.

While the number of people who take over farming after their parents is decreasing year by year, young people who had no connection with agriculture are finding employment at agricultural corporations one after another.

An annual income of 10 million yen is not a dream

I actually interviewed an agricultural corporation.

It is "Nakamori Agricultural Products" in Kazo City, Saitama Prefecture.

The president, Tsuyoshi Nakamori, is 34 years old, graduated from an agricultural university, and established an agricultural corporation from scratch.

He has rented abandoned farmland, etc., and now cultivates 230 hectares of farmland, about 50 times the size of the Tokyo Dome.

There are 10 employees working here, with an average age of 29.

Many of them are people who have changed jobs from other than agriculture, and it is said that new employees join the company almost every year.

Mr. Tsuyoshi Nakamori

"People who want to do agriculture must start a business. However, starting a business is not a risk that anyone can take. Therefore, I thought that an agricultural corporation would be a gateway to attract young people into the agricultural industry."

Mr. Nakamori's farm grows rice, soybeans, and corn for livestock feed.

Six years after its establishment, sales have exceeded 100 million yen.

Mr. Nakamori aims for a salary level comparable to that of ordinary office workers.

Within a few years, I would like to increase the annual income of department manager level employees to 10 million yen.

From system engineer to agriculture

Mr. Kohei Sato (29), the head of the farm, is in that position.

After graduating from university, he worked as a system engineer in Tokyo, but changed jobs three years ago.

At that time, it seems that his parents strongly opposed him, saying, ``I didn't send him to college to make him suffer.''

However, including this image of agriculture, Mr. Sato wants to change it.

Mr. Kohei Sato

"I don't really like the words farmer and peasant. Although I can do 100 jobs, I think that the working hours will be longer, so I will create a company organization where specialists can gather. We aim to become a sustainable agricultural corporation.”

In addition, there are people who have changed jobs from video production companies, electrical construction companies, and transportation companies.

When I listened to the story, "I have irregular days off, but I can take it when I want to, and my salary is higher than before." It's a stable job." All of them seemed to be satisfied with their agricultural work.

Farming has become an option for young people

Until now, when I heard about "starting farming," I had an image of taking over from my parents' family or doing it as a hobby after retirement, but I strongly felt that farming is becoming a choice of employment for young people.

I think one of the reasons for this is that more and more young people are reconsidering the value of agriculture as a sustainable industry amid calls for food security after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The question is whether the government and the agricultural industry can provide appropriate support in line with the changes in the awareness of young people, and whether they can continue to increase the number of people engaged in agriculture.

If we can capitalize on this tailwind, agriculture may change dramatically in 10 or 20 years.

Economics Department Reporter

Misato Yasui Joined

in 2014

After working at the Sendai and Nagasaki stations, currently in

charge of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries