NVSU explores partnership with JA Group on Citrus Farming, Prod’n

Shimizu City, Shizuoka, Japan – August 20, 2024 – Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) initiated discussions with the Japan Agricultural Co-operative (JA Group) to explore potential collaboration on enhancing citrus farming and production.

The meeting, held in Shimizu City, Shizuoka, was facilitated by the Organization for Industrial, Spiritual, and Cultural Advancement (OISCA) International, a longstanding partner of NVSU.

The NVSU delegation was led by President Dr. Wilfredo A. Dumale, Jr., and included Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Cristina R. Salvosa, Director for the Center for Research, Resource, and Development Center (CRRDC) Dr. Elbert A. Sana, Director for Research and Development (R&D) Dr. Jessie Pascual P. Bitog, Director for International Affairs Atty. Regine Karla G. Tabas, and CHED Regional Director Atty. Marco Cicero F. Domingo. The OISCA delegation was headed by OISCA International Secretary General Nagaishi Yasuaki, OISCA Shizuoka Secretary General Uchiyama Emiko, OISCA Shizuoka Officer Masato Suzuki, and OISCA Division for Domestic Operations Senior Adviser Fujime Asaji.

OISCA International Secretary General Nagaishi Yasuaki introduced the attendees from both organizations and outlined the purpose of NVSU’s visit, focusing on benchmarking the citrus activities of Shizuoka as part of their ongoing citrus research program.

Mr. Kazuki Ozawa, a representative of the Shimizu Agricultural Cooperative of JA, provided an overview of JA's role and activities. He explained that JA is a unique network of agricultural cooperatives in Japan, deeply involved in both economic and political spheres. Recognized as the largest and most influential agricultural group in Japan, JA represents all Japanese farmers and serves as a de facto sub-governmental body that assists the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) in formulating and implementing agricultural policies. The JA Group's primary goal is to protect and enhance the agricultural management and livelihoods of farmers through mutual assistance.

Mr. Ozawa further explained the agricultural activities in Shimizu City, emphasizing that citrus is the region's top crop. Shimizu’s mild oceanic climate makes it particularly suitable for mandarin orange cultivation. However, a significant challenge facing the agricultural sector in Shizuoka, and Japan as a whole, is the aging population of farmers. In Shimizu City, most farmers are between 55 and 85 years old, with few younger farmers aged 25 to 40. To address this issue, JA is focused on developing more conducive working conditions through technological innovations to attract younger generations to farming, although this remains a challenging task.

President Dr. Wilfredo A. Dumale, Jr. expressed his gratitude to OISCA for facilitating the meeting and to JA for their hospitality and detailed explanations of their roles and activities. He highlighted the strategic importance of these discussions, as NVSU seeks to incorporate best practices from Japan’s citrus industry into its production processes in Nueva Vizcaya.

The discussions concluded with plans to further explore potential collaboration between NVSU and JA, including the exchange of citrus farming and production experts through reciprocal visits. President Dumale also proposed the facilitation of internship programs for NVSU agriculture students and graduates through OISCA and JA. This initiative aims to provide potential employment opportunities in Japan and help address the aging population issue within the farming community.

The meeting concluded with a visit to the local citrus farms in Shimizu City, where the NVSU delegation was shown the advanced farming practices and technologies employed by JA. This hands-on experience provided valuable insights into innovative methods that could be adapted to enhance citrus farming and production in Nueva Vizcaya.

This meeting marks a significant step towards enhancing citrus farming and production through knowledge exchange and collaboration. It also opens internship and employment opportunities for young agriculturists abroad, providing them with hands-on experience in advanced agricultural practices while addressing the aging farmer population in Japan. By fostering these international partnerships, NVSU aims to support the growth and development of both the Philippine and Japanese agricultural sectors.