Agricultural Business
In Kiso District of Nagano Prefecture, home to Kisokoma Micro, the number of idle fields has been increasing year on year with the drop in the farming population. Abandoned fields are a serious social issue that is leading to community deterioration. To utilize idle farmland and help revitalize regions, we are taking on the challenge of producing coffee and hazelnuts—both rare endeavors in Japan.
Growing Coffee by Utilizing Idle Fields
MICRO’s Agricultural Business traces its roots back to this seemingly far-fetched idea. It began with a sense of urgency about the increase in idle land due to aging and farmers leaving the industry, and a desire to create new industries that would lead to revitalization of communities.
We set up greenhouses at a test farm built on rented idle land. We are experimentally growing 30 types of seedlings of cold-tolerant coffee varieties.
Another Key Player: Hazelnuts
We are also working on cultivating hazelnuts. Most hazelnuts distributed in Japan are imported—if they could be produced domestically, they could become a new local specialty and help reinvigorate regional industries… That belief is what drives us.
Looking ahead to full-scale future production, MICRO is experimentally cultivating 70 seedlings in open fields.
Creating a “New Local Specialty”
For harvested coffee beans, we are considering uses such as selling them as roasted beans, processing them into craft gin at local distilleries, and making tea from the dried leaves. We are seeking to establish the “Kiso Coffee” brand.
We will also work to create new regional attractions, such as developing signature confectionery made with hazelnuts.
