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FOLENS Seminar June 2013: Field Trip to Fujieda – a Rural Community
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| BBQ Party | Commemorative photo |
Looked around organic tea field |
On June 15-16, we had a Field Trip to a rural community of Fujieda, to join so called “Fujieda School”. This is the fourth year for FOLENS to join the School. We had a participation of 25 people including FOLENS students, IEAS (Department of International Environmental and Agricultural Science) students and faculty members. In Fujieda, we received a warm hospitality of Kinezuka family, organic farm owner this year again.
Fortunately it was sunny on the first day. After having lunch with rice and vegetables including special soy beans (edamame) cropped by Kinezuka farm, we went up the hill and visited the tea farm. Mr. Kinezuka kindly explained agricultural method and history of organic farming. He enthusiastically talked about his concern and loyalty to organic farming without using any agricultural chemicals. Ayumi, a daughter of Mr. Kinezuka sent an impressive message as well – “I had not noticed my goal in my life even though it was very close to me. Finally I found the answer was right under my nose.” In the evening we had a special BBQ party, where we had valuable time to exchange our thoughts and opinions with local people and volunteers, who came to learn about organic lifestyle in Japan. It was raining on the next morning but we experienced rice planting. After rice planting, students together with other local participants were divided into small groups to discuss and exchange opinions and thoughts regarding some of the common themes in relation to agriculture. Each group presented their discussions on a variety of themes including organic agriculture and food safety. In Q&A session, eager discussions were exchanged. This “Fujieda School” is a valuable opportunity to feel and practice under the theme of “Food and Agriculture” and learn the importance to play a role of each individual in our society. (CS)