The Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Natural Farming International Research and Development Center, which develops crop varieties without synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilizers in Japan, has launched pre-orders for 'Hataamané,' a new onion variety in its 'Natural Farming Center Seeds (Organic Seeds)' series.
The standout feature of this variety is that it is optimized for cultivation under organic and natural farming practices. Since 2009, using the traditional vegetable 'Sen'nu Chūkōkii' as a base, the center has repeatedly selected plants under low-fertilizer conditions, ultimately developing a stable, easy-to-grow open-pollinated variety that performs well even in organic and natural farming systems.
Onion seed production requires a long two-year cycle, but after 17 years of trait evaluation and seed multiplication, the variety is now ready to be delivered to farmers and home gardeners nationwide.
※ Limited quantities available—order early.
Purchase URL
Hataamané (onion): https://shizentane.jp/shopdetail/000000000087/
About 'Hataamané'
1. Origin of the Name 'Hataamané'
The name combines 'Hata,' the area in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, where the center conducts its natural farming variety development, with 'amaneku' (to spread widely), expressing the hope that this variety will spread across Japan.
2. Strong Performance in Organic and Natural Farming (Adaptation to Low-Fertilizer Conditions)
Conventional onion cultivation typically requires large amounts of fertilizer. However, 'Hataamané' was intentionally selected under low-fertilizer conditions during breeding. As a result, it has developed robust characteristics that allow stable growth even in organic and natural farming systems with minimal fertilizer dependency. This aligns with modern agricultural demands for reduced environmental impact.
3. Ease of Cultivation and Excellent Bulbing
This variety is a mid-season type suitable for standard autumn sowing. The bulbs are high and round, typically weighing between 250 and 400 grams each. Due to its strong bulbing ability, the bulbs are uniform in size, making it ideal not only for professional organic farmers but also for beginners attempting onion cultivation for the first time.
4. Flavor Profile and Culinary Uses
'Hataamané' offers juiciness and the natural sweetness of onions, along with a strong pungency, making it especially suitable for cooked dishes. When heated, the pungency transforms into umami and sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor of meals.
Natural Farming Center Seeds
Organic seeds developed and sold by the Natural Farming Center, based in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, which promotes natural and organic farming techniques nationwide.
Seeds bred and produced under nutrient-limited conditions, in line with natural farming principles, tend to grow robustly even with minimal nutrients.
Free from synthetic pesticides, developed and produced entirely in Japan, Natural Farming Center Seeds continue to provide an agriculture lifestyle that harmonizes with nature, soil, and plant genetics—benefiting both people and the environment.
Features
· Domestic Japanese variety development and seed production
· No chemical fertilizers or synthetic pesticides
· No seed treatment or disinfection
· No genetic modification or genome editing
· Over 60 varieties in the product lineup
Natural Farming Center Seed Sales Website 'Shizen no Tane' (Natural Seeds)
https://shizentane.jp/
About the (Public Interest Incorporated Foundation) Natural Farming Center
Official Name: Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Natural Farming International Research and Development Center
Headquarters: 5632-1 Hata, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture
Established: November 13, 1985
Mission: Based on natural farming cultivation techniques, the center contributes to expanding sustainable agriculture and building a society continuously connected to farming through technology dissemination and seed development and distribution.
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: New Product