MAFF TOPICS (2) NEWS Awarding excellent activities and menus that promote local production and local consumption
Introduction:
The National Forum for Promoting Local Production and Local Consumption, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries and the National Council for Promoting Local Production and Local Consumption, recently took place. The event aimed to recognize and award outstanding initiatives and activities that promote local production and consumption of domestically grown agricultural, forestry, and fishery products. The 9th National Local Production and Local Consumption School Lunch Menu Contest also honored exceptional menus that utilize locally produced agricultural, forestry, and fishery products in school lunches, employee cafeterias, and other food establishments. Local production and local consumption play a crucial role in revitalizing communities, enhancing food self-sufficiency, and fostering a strong connection between producers and consumers.
National Award Winners:
The winners of the 2016-2017 Local Production and Local Consumption Excellence Awards were announced during the forum. The awards were divided into two categories: Regional Promotion and Community Engagement.
1. Regional Promotion:
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Award was given to Aiai Farm, an agricultural production corporation based in Okinawa. Aiai Farm has revitalized a former school facility by establishing a direct sales outlet, a restaurant, and accommodations. They also promote food education through various activities and events, aiming to foster connections between food and agriculture.
2. Community Engagement:
JA Oumi Fuji, a farmers’ market in Shiga Prefecture, was the recipient of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Award in this category. They have created a “vegetable market in the field,” where customers can harvest their own produce. Additionally, they operate a community garden and a buffet-style restaurant that showcases local dishes.
School Lunch Menu Contest Winners:
The 9th National Local Production and Local Consumption School Lunch Menu Contest recognized outstanding menu choices that emphasized the use of locally sourced ingredients in school lunches and other food establishments. The winners were selected in two categories: School Lunch and Company Cafeteria, and Restaurant and Bento (take-out lunch box).
1. School Lunch and Company Cafeteria:
Iwate Prefectural Central Hospital’s Nutrition Management Department from Iwate Prefecture won the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Award in this category for their “Kozukata Gohan” menu. This menu featured a variety of locally sourced ingredients, such as multi-grain rice and sesame sauce, and incorporated seasonal produce from the prefecture into hospital meals.
2. Restaurant and Bento (Take-out Lunch Box):
Yokamon Cafe, operated by Tanseisha Co., Ltd. in Fukuoka Prefecture, took home the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Award for their “Yokamon Bento” menu. This menu featured dishes like rolled pork and eggplant in teriyaki sauce and Higashiku Town-grown grilled mushrooms, showcasing the rich flavors of local ingredients.
Additional Recognition:
In addition to the winners mentioned above, several other organizations were recognized for their outstanding contributions to promoting local production and local consumption. In the Regional Promotion category, the Food Industry Bureau Director’s Award was given to JA Tokyo Musashi Kodaira Branch in Tokyo and Yamaguni Sakigake Center, an agricultural production corporation in Kyoto Prefecture. In the Community Engagement category, the Food Industry Bureau Director’s Award was presented to JA Hokkaido Tozai Chitose Branch in Hokkaido and Furukawa Corporation in Kanagawa Prefecture.
Conclusion:
The National Forum for Promoting Local Production and Local Consumption, along with the Local Production and Local Consumption School Lunch Menu Contest, celebrated the efforts of individuals and organizations in promoting local production and consumption of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products. The winners of the awards showcased innovative strategies to connect producers and consumers, revitalize communities, and support food self-sufficiency in Japan. These initiatives play a pivotal role in creating sustainable and resilient food systems while preserving local traditions and cultures. The continued promotion of local production and consumption will further contribute to the growth and development of rural areas and the overall well-being of the nation.