This time, I’d like to share my thoughts on creating a new system to collaborate with Japanese rice farmers, inspired by a consultation I recently received. A friend reached out to me, asking for advice as a company employing Filipino staff that wants to directly source rice. From this discussion, I saw the potential for a new approach to connecting farmers and businesses.
Currently, the supply-demand relationship in the rice market has grown increasingly complex, highlighting issues such as rice shortages and the rising burdens on farmers. At the same time, there’s a growing demand from consumers and businesses to source rice directly from farmers. This calls for careful consideration of how farmers can respond and how consumers and businesses should approach the matter.
Right now, the rice market is experiencing a once-in-decades surge in activity. However, expanding farmland requires substantial investment, making it a challenging endeavor. As a result, for rice that is already in stock, transactions often settle based on the current market price.
Reflecting on this consultation, I felt that we need to create a mechanism that enables direct transactions while reducing the burdens on both farmers and businesses. Specifically, we need to establish an environment where farmers can supply rice steadily without excessive investment or effort. At the same time, we should develop an intermediary system that allows smooth contract agreements based on the pricing and supply needs of businesses.
I’ve worked on creating systems to solve a variety of challenges in the past. Initiatives like this, which connect agriculture with businesses, have the potential to significantly impact the future of local communities. By leveraging new technologies and frameworks, we can create an environment where farmers and businesses can build mutually beneficial, win-win relationships. I firmly believe this is the key to taking Japanese agriculture to the next level.