Corn Weeding and Komatsuna Harvesting Experience at 'Miyata Family Farm' in Showa Village, June 6th (Sat) [Gunma]

The Gunma direct-trade council 'Megurunma,' in which the Pal System Gunma Consumers' Co-operative (HQ: Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture; Board Chair: Makiko Ohira) participates, will host an agricultural experience event on Saturday, June 6th, starting at 8:30 AM in Showa Village, Tone District. Families will experience corn weeding and komatsuna harvesting, sharing the labor and joy of agriculture.

Approximately 70 member families to perform farm work on highland fields

The event is the first in a two-part series covering corn weeding, harvesting, and field cleanup. It will be held at the farm of Tokuhiko Miyata, a producer affiliated with Yasai Club Co., Ltd. (Showa Village; Representative Director: Shoji Sawaura), which is part of the Megurunma council.

Leading up to the August harvest, approximately 70 participant families will engage in cultivation tasks. Plans also include harvesting komatsuna and tasting processed products such as pickles and konjac made from direct-trade vegetables manufactured by Green Leaf Co., Ltd. (Showa Village; Representative Director: Shoji Sawaura), a group company of Yasai Club.

Participants will engage with producers, connect with the soil, and deepen their understanding of production areas and agriculture. By experiencing the labor required for vegetable cultivation, they will directly convey their gratitude to the producers.

Event Overview: 'Agriculture Experience at Miyata Family Farm' (Part 1)

■ Date/Time: Saturday, June 6th, 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM (Meet at 8:15 AM) *Proceeds in light rain; canceled in severe weather
■ Location: Farm in Showa Village *Meet on-site (approx. 10 minutes by car from Showa I.C. on the Kan-etsu Expressway)
■ Participants: Approx. 70 Pal System Gunma member families
■ Content: Corn weeding, komatsuna harvesting, and tasting of Green Leaf products
■ Future schedule: Saturday, August 1st (Part 2), corn harvest and field cleanup

Pal System Gunma, together with the Megurunma council, plans year-round experience events to provide children with opportunities for farm work that contribute to their personal growth. In Isesaki City, they also operate the 'Mame Mame Course' for edamame cultivation and the 'Negi Negi Course' for red onion cultivation.

Connecting regional agriculture and rich food culture to the next generation

The Megurunma council was established by Pal System Gunma, three local producer groups (Yasai Club in Showa Village, Kurabuchi Kusa no Kai in Takasaki City, and Tonegawa Producer Group in Isesaki City), and the Pal System Consumers' Co-operative Union. Marking its 10th anniversary in 2026, three new organizations joined as full members.

The council engages in various activities to promote Gunma's charm, aiming for sustainable agricultural development, healthy lifestyles for consumers, and vibrant regional development. Under its 'Megurunma 2035 Vision,' it deepens mutual understanding through exchanges between users and producers, and promotes local consumption.