Cooperation with local governments and businesses
Masuhiro Izumiya, Mayor of Suzu City
Suzu City has conducted various activities in cooperation with Kanazawa University since 2006. Oku Noto (the tip of the Noto Peninsula) is blessed with beautiful and rich Satoyama Satoumi and traditional agehama-style seawater salt fields. As well as these beautiful landscapes, there are Shinto rituals and festivals that have been handed down from generation to generation, including Aenokoto, a ritual to welcome the rice field deity into the farmers’ houses. Noto has been recognized as a GIAHS (the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems) site by FAO (the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations). Suzu City has been carrying out activities to review its own community and activities to promote branding of Noto and achieve sustainable development.
Kazutaka Kawakami, Meister graduate, Director of Sugiyo Farm Co., Ltd.
As Sugiyo Farm rents abandoned arable land in Notojima, returning it to production. In cooperation with the local people, the farm contributes to the revitalization of agriculture in the community. Why not come to Notojima and acquire farming experience so that you can become an independent farmer? As a graduate of the first Meister Training Program, I made the best use of what I had learned in the program to establish the Sugiyo Farm Co., Ltd in 2012.
Support offered by Kanazawa University
Support is provided for young people who will start farming, new businesses, or moving to Noto.
- Meister trainees can receive preferential treatment from Kanazawa University cooperation network members, Suzu City, Wajima City, Noto Town, Anamizu Town and Ishikawa Prefecture, including provisioning of vacant houses, farmland, financial support, and assistance in settling and finding employment in Noto. (for reference: information on local governments’ supports)
- The Meister trainees may apply for grants for activities to promote the preservation of Satoyama Satoumi as well as the practical use of the local nature and culture, including:
- Ishikawa Prefectural Satoyama Creation Fund (maximum 2 million yen)
- Suzu City Satoyama Satoumi Support Fund (maximum 500 thousand yen)
3. An internship system can be established at businesses and agricultural companies where Meister graduates have worked.