In a collaborative effort to educate young minds about the importance of sustainable agriculture and food security, Watami Corporation, along with the Sustainable Food Chain Association (SFA) and Watami Farm, organized a hands-on learning event for children in Tokyo’s Ota District. This initiative, part of the “Future Support for Children through Food” proposal by the Tokyo government, involved children from local support organizations engaging in activities that connected them with organic farming and sustainable forestry practices.
The event started with an educational journey to Watami Farm in Sanmu City, Chiba Prefecture, where participants learned about organic farming from Watami Farm’s experts. On the bus ride, they discussed the principles of organic agriculture, including the benefits of using organic methods and the impact on soil health and the environment. Upon arrival, the children were introduced to the farm’s practices, from soil preparation to pest management, learning how organic farmers use non-chemical methods to maintain crop health. The children excitedly discovered insects hiding among the vegetables, adding a hands-on learning experience to their understanding of organic farming.
Following the organic farming workshop, the children participated in a sustainable forestry activity, where they learned about the significance of responsible forestry practices. The highlight of this part of the event was a hands-on tree thinning experience. Participants, guided by forestry experts from the Save Earth Foundation, undertook the task of felling a 20-meter-tall tree, using ropes and teamwork to safely bring the tree down. This experience emphasized the importance of sustainable forest management, demonstrating how selective thinning can enhance forest health by reducing competition for resources among trees. After the successful felling, the children planted three chestnut trees as a symbol of sustainability and to mark Watami’s 40th anniversary.
Participants were thrilled by the scale and complexity of the activities. One child remarked, “It was incredible to see such a big tree fall—it felt like the whole ground was shaking!” Another shared, “I never thought I could grow vegetables from scratch. Now I understand how important it is to take care of the soil and avoid using harmful chemicals.” These activities provided a profound connection between the children and their food, teaching them not only about sustainable farming but also about the broader environmental impact of these practices.
The “Hands-On Learning in Organic Farming and Sustainable Forestry” event organized by Watami and its partners successfully bridged the gap between theory and practice, demonstrating the critical role of sustainable agriculture in food security. By involving children in these activities, participants gained a deeper understanding of the importance of organic practices and the impact of sustainable forestry on the environment. Such initiatives are essential for fostering a new generation of environmentally conscious farmers and consumers who will support sustainable food systems for the future.
