The “Nishi-Awa steep slope agricultural system” in Japan was recognized as an agricultural heritage site, in March 2017. A symposium was held on February 22, 2018, which was attended by approximately 100 local people.
Hiroki Kawashima, who has long been conducting research on sloping-land vegetable cultivation in the Tsurugi Mountains, delivered a lecture on his research. Kazufumi Takagi delivered a lecture on different types of vegetables, wild plants, and medicinal herbs grown in the Nishi-Awa region. His lecture ranged from cultivation techniques to marketing and cooking.
After the conclusion of lectures, the “Nishi-Awa Nou to Shoku no Meijin” (food and agriculture experts in Nishi Awa) certification ceremony, hosted by Tokushima Prefecture, was held. Several local farmers were certified.
Finally, a panel discussion was held with lecturers, local farmers, and sellers. Hitoshi Takenaka, who produces honey in Mima City, participated in the discussion as a representative of local farmers, and Ogawa Mitsuhiro, who is a producer of Awa Shoku museum, participated as a representative of local sellers. They discussed how local people could utilize the GIAHS brand as a tool.
| Title: | Symposium for the Recognition of Japanese Nationally Important Agriculture Heritage System: Thinking through vegetables grown in sloping areas |
| Date: | February 22, 2018 |
| Venue: | Wakimachi theater, Odeonza |
| Sponsor: | Tokushima Tsurugisan Global Agricultural Heritage Promotion Council Secretariat |
| Partner: | Tokushima prefecture |
| Participation fee: | free |
Program
< Part 1 >
13：30～13：45 Opening remarks
13：45～14：00 Introduction of GIAHS “Nishi-Awa steep slope agricultural system”
14：00～14：30 Keynote speech 1: “Vegetable Production in a steep slope area, Nishi-Awa: Activities at the West Japan Agricultural Research Center” by Dr. Hiroki KAWASHIMA (Division of Hillside Horticulture Research, NARO Western Region Agricultural Research Center)
14：30～15：00 Keynote speech 2: “Vegetable Production Areas and Cultivation Techniques in Nishi-Awa” by Dr. Kazufumi TAKAGI (Tokushima Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Technology Support Center)
15：00～15：10 Coffee break
< Part 2 >
15：10～15：25 Certification ceremony of “Nishi-Awa Nou to Shoku no Meijin” (food and agriculture experts in Nishi-Awa)
15：25～16：15 Panel discussion: The lecturers, Mr. Hitoshi Takenaka (honey farmer), and Ogawa Mitsuhiro（Awa Shoku museum manager)
