Validating a Production Model Led by Local Farmers: Joint Sweet Potato Pilot Project Starts in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido
Four companies, including Nippon Steel Kowa Real Estate, are starting a joint pilot project in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, in May 2026 to grow sweet potatoes for processing, led by local farmers, with the goal of future commercial production and regional branding.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 25, 2026 at 22:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 25, 2026 at 13:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 25, 2026 at 14:15 (43 min after Collected)
Nippon Steel Kowa Real Estate Co., Ltd., in collaboration with its subsidiary Nippon Steel Kowa Real Estate Agriculture Co., Ltd., IBURITO (a general incorporated association), and Shirohato Food Industry Co., Ltd., is launching a joint pilot project for the production of sweet potatoes for processing in Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido.
In this project, local farmers will serve as the primary operators on farmland in Noboribetsu, while Nippon Steel Kowa Real Estate Agriculture will oversee planning and implementation. IBURITO will provide on-site operational support, and Shirohato Food Industry will contribute knowledge regarding processing and commercialization. The participating companies will not intervene in farmland management or farming decisions, respecting the autonomy of the local farmers.
Moving forward, the partners will evaluate crop growth and processing suitability to explore the potential for establishing a production base for Hokkaido sweet potatoes and creating a regional brand. Nippon Steel Kowa Real Estate is expanding its agricultural business as an 'Agri-developer' alongside its core real estate operations, viewing this pilot as part of a wider effort to diversify its crops.
In this project, local farmers will serve as the primary operators on farmland in Noboribetsu, while Nippon Steel Kowa Real Estate Agriculture will oversee planning and implementation. IBURITO will provide on-site operational support, and Shirohato Food Industry will contribute knowledge regarding processing and commercialization. The participating companies will not intervene in farmland management or farming decisions, respecting the autonomy of the local farmers.
Moving forward, the partners will evaluate crop growth and processing suitability to explore the potential for establishing a production base for Hokkaido sweet potatoes and creating a regional brand. Nippon Steel Kowa Real Estate is expanding its agricultural business as an 'Agri-developer' alongside its core real estate operations, viewing this pilot as part of a wider effort to diversify its crops.
FAQ
この共同実証の目的は何ですか？
北海道登別市における加工用さつまいもの生産可能性を検証し、将来的な産地化や地域ブランド化、加工・流通を含めた新たな地域産業モデルの創出を目指します。
営農主体は誰ですか？
農地の管理および営農上の判断は、日鉄興和不動産等の参画企業ではなく、地元農業者が主体となって行います。
参画企業の役割は何ですか？
日鉄興和不動産農業が企画・推進、IBURITOが現地実務支援、白ハト食品工業が加工・商品化に関する知見提供を担います。
実施場所と期間は？
北海道登別市内の約5haの農地にて、2026年5月から2027年3月までの期間で実施する予定です。
この実証は不動産の賃借を伴いますか？
いいえ、参画企業は農地の賃借、使用貸借、占有または使用収益を行うものではありません。