2025 Volume 63 Issue 1 Pages 45-53
Muchachaen is a regional cooperative dedicated to creating an ecological community in a depopulated area of western Ehime Prefecture, with a focus on organic citrus farming. Since its inception 50 years ago, it has achieved several milestones, including establishing a direct sales system that has supported the organic farming movement and expanded the network of fellow producers, developing large-scale organic farms operated primarily managed by new farmers, collaborating with local fishermen to implement a circular primary industry model, expanding into a cooperative that supports the local community through welfare initiatives, and fostering sympathy and coexistence with urban residents through various activities, including direct sales.
Looking ahead, Muchachaen’s initiatives have been incorporated into government policies, including the Green Food System Strategy drawn up by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. By 2030, Muchchaen aims to develop the foundations of primary industries that are vital to the local economy, collaborate with local governments to maintain community, deepen relationships with urban residents by fostering coexistence and empathy, and collaborate with overseas countries for mutual benefit.
