Kubota Launches Project to Support Agriculture, Protect Environment in Local Communities in Japan

Kubota, a major farm equipment manufacturer in Japan, announced on May 16, 2008, its Kubota E-Project to support activities that help revitalize agriculture among farmers, local communities, and schools. Agriculture in Japan is facing difficulties due to a shrinking and aging workforce and depopulation of agricultural communities. The project aims to re-energize domestic agriculture, and preserve the local environment at the same time, by supporting regional activities that focus on revitalizing abandoned farmland.

In the first year of the project, Kubota provides agricultural machinery free of charge to 20 groups -- selected from among applications received through newspaper ads and its website -- to revive activities on abandoned farmland. It also assists 18 elementary schools in offering farming experience, which includes learning about rice production, to fifth-grade pupils as part of their school curriculum. Kubota is also actively involved in activities to utilize biomass, such its Field Mustards Project Network, in which people grow field mustard plants to produce canola oil, and help cultivate field mustard and sunflower plants on abandoned farmland.

In addition, the project not only provides support in branding and advertising the agricultural specialties of each region but also plans to aid eco-friendly farmers who conduct activities that emphasize the co-existence of people and nature.

- Kubota Corporation official website
http://www.kubota.co.jp/english/index.html

Posted: 2008/11/20 10:17:35 AM