Agriculture Based on the Recirculation of Local Resources: Focusing on Community-Based Farming Organizations

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to explain agriculture based on the recirculation of local resources by community-based farming organizations. The case of Shimane Prefecture, where community-based farming organizations (corporations/non-corporations) in disadvantaged areas have evolved since the 1970s with unique regional policies in place. The Shimane prefectural government has continued to support “community-contributing farming” in disadvantaged areas through its unique regional policies since the 1970s, advancing a type of agriculture based on the recirculation of local resources, focusing on community-based farming organizations.

We investigate three cases about forage rice production for whole-crop-silage and cattle grazing in paddy fields. The three cases—a single community-based farming corporation, region-wide cooperation of community-based farming organizations, and an agricultural cooperative that includes community-based farming organizations and livestock farmers—have shown to help the region in several ways, including the recirculation of organic matter within the region; the effective use of farmland; management improvements such as labor savings and the utilization of human resources; an increase in the number of returners/newcomers, etc. Behind these successes, in addition to years of regional policy, is the strong support of agricultural cooperatives and local governments. In the rural communities of disadvantaged areas in Shimane Prefecture, the community-based farming organizations play an important role in promoting the “autonomous and independent lifestyle.” Agriculture based on the recirculation of local resources, other than being a sustainable means to create profits for the participating farmers, helps support living conditions in the village. These characteristics are shared among the three cases despite their different types. It is also clear from the consensus-building process that communication between each farmer/resident based on “community logic” is the key to success, and that community-based farming organizations provide opportunities for communication.