Isogai Kazuyuki
（Tsurugi town, Isogai Farm, そらの宿磯貝）

Isogai Farm, located in the Michidoki district of Sadamitsu, Tsurugi, practices traditional farming on steep slopes and cultivates indigenous millets such as buckwheat and finger millets, along with multiple seasonal vegetables. The farm also offers farm stay accommodations, where hands-on experiences such as making konnyaku and Dango (mochi balls) are especially popular with visitors.

Kazuyuki Isogai began working in agriculture at his family’s farm in 2020. Before that, he was employed at a company in the Tokushima Prefecture. His parents long managed the farm, but as they aged, he decided to take over the family business.

“Before I started, I was worried about whether I could make a living relying only on farming income after leaving my job. Even so, my desire to carry on this traditional agricultural practice, recognized as a GIAHS, was stronger.”

After starting farming, he was encouraged by how much his work was appreciated by others. At the same time, he felt a growing sense of responsibility, realizing that he could not simply give up.

In Tsurugi, indigenous millets such as buckwheat and common millets are cultivated and sold through local cooperatives at roadside stations and other shops. Isogai also serves as the chairman of the Tsurugi Millet Production Association.

While many people are interested in indigenous millets for their health benefits, he notes that some are unsure how to use them in everyday cooking. To address this, he is considering developing ready-to-eat products such as soups and pasta sauces.

Isogai Farm attracts visitors from outside the prefecture as well as from overseas. Recently, interest from affluent travelers has been growing, raising expectations for tourism. “There are still so many possibilities in steep slope agriculture and in the landscape itself,” Isogai says with a smile.