Tomatoes and Eggs Abroad

Today was our first full day in Japan and we learned a lot and took in great sites. Both of the operations that we visited were located outside of town. this provided a great opportunity to see the countryside including: rice, vineyards, natural areas, and even monkeys. We started the day by visiting Agrimind. This is a company that grows hydroponic tomatoes in greenhouses. The growing greenhouses cover 19,314 square meters (69,965 square feet). This facility was the first project of this type in all of Asia when it began in 2014. 

For lunch we had the opportunity to experience our first Japanese restaurant. The helpings were plentiful and we did not leave hungry. Next, we visited Kurofuji Poultry company that gathers 600,000 eggs per day. Everything is produced organically and with sustainability in mind. They are engaged with innovative practices of feeding algae, fermenting and mixing their own feed, creative composting, and more. We enjoyed some of their store products while discussing their farm and company before exploring their operation. 

We rounded out the evening at a local ramen noodles restaurant. After a spectacular meal some did a little shopping and exploring. 

Djibouti School Gardens

With projects we implement around the globe we often include youth. The video below highlights a project implementing school gardens and hydroponics in rural Djibouti in East Africa to empower youth. You are invited to watch and reflect on the discussion points below with others from around the globe. 

School gardens and hydroponics 

Discussion Points

• Of the innovative practices shared in this video which do you feel has the greatest potential positive impact and why?
• Do you believe it is important to focus on agricultural education for youth? Explain your reasoning.
• What could you learn from this project in Djibouti that could be implemented in your home region?

Farms in a Box

This week we are featuring a story from CNN that was shared last summer, but is still a hot topic. It takes a look at some innovators who are farming in boxes. There is a short article, but also includes a two minute video that explains how the systems work and what is being grown. Check out the linked video and article and then use the discussion points to engage in conversations around the globe!

Farms in a Box

Discussion Points

• Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of producing vegetables and food in this manner. 
• Explain how the "farm in a box" work,
• What role does technology play in these freight farms?
• How could this method of farming help address the issue of food insecurity?
• How would this method of farming be perceived in your local community? Explain.
• Brainstorm other methods similar to this that could be used in agriculture. Share these ideas and discuss the possibilities!