Recently, farmer inns have been increasing in many rural areas in Japan. We hypothesize that this could be due to their deregulation in 2003, and the Children & Agricultural Communities Interaction Project (CACIP) in 2008. This study analyzes their intentions and features at the time of starting a farmer inn business, comparing before deregulation and after CACIP. The data analysis reveals the following: 1) Interaction of people is a prerequisite for starting a farmer inn. 2) The execution of various policies differs among an increase in farmer inns; those who started such a business before the deregulation simply wanted to gain economic advantage. On the other hand, those who started after CACIP and aimed at vitalization of their local communities and sympathized the experience-based education tours is increased.

The organic movement and the chisan chishō (local production for local consumption) movement are two of the most visible forms of alternative food systems in Japan. Despite having some ideological similarities, however, they have remained largely disconnected. One of the most recent developments in chisan chishō is the increase in number and popularity of marché (farmers’ markets). To explore the overlap between the organic and local dimensions within marché, this study uses questionnaire survey data obtained at three locations in Hiroshima prefecture. First, it examines the reasons why visitors attend marché and whether the desire to buy organic products ranks highly among these reasons. Second, it assesses the presence of organic producers and their reasons for participating. The results suggest how marché could play a role in increasing the consumption of both local and organic products and in increasing the visibility of organic producers locally.

Yak farming is not the only symbol of but also an important industry in the highlands of Sichuan Province, China. The situation surrounding yak farming has changed due to Chinese government policy and economic conditions. This study clarifies the structure of the yak milk supply chain. An interview survey was conducted with yak farmers and staff at a yak milk company and a questionnaire survey was conducted with members of the general public. This study revealed the following results: 1) The yak milk production method by the self-contained feed and self-sufficient life of the yak milk does not change. Income from yak milk accounts for about half of the farm income and is an important cash income. 2) The yak milk company has contributed to the development of the local economy by creating cash income opportunities for yak farmers. 3) A total of 20% of those surveyed have drunk yak milk. The challenges are to create opportunities to drink yak milk and to differentiate it from other dairy products.