The Gunma Sanchoku Council "Megurumma" (めぐるんま), which includes the Pal System Gunma consumer cooperative based in Takasaki City, is hosting a farming experience event at "Minna no Hatake" (Everyone's Farm) in Sakai Shimotakeshi, Isesaki City, on Saturday, May 30, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This is the first session of a year-round series where participating families can enjoy hands-on activities from planting through to harvest while connecting with nature.
About 70 Families to Interact with Producers
The event kicks off the "Negi Negi Course," centered on growing red onions. Around 70 families are expected to plant red onion and sweet potato seedlings, with a goal of harvesting in November. Future sessions include weeding and potato digging in June, followed by a red onion and sweet potato harvest with tastings in November. By taking part in farm maintenance alongside the planting, children can learn firsthand about the steps involved in growing food.
The event offers participating families a chance to meet the people who grow their food, fostering understanding of and connection to the produce and its origins. Alongside the joy of nurturing vegetables, participants also gain a real sense of how much effort farming requires and can share their appreciation directly with the producers.
"Minna no Hatake" is managed year-round by the Tonegawa Producer Group (Isesaki City), one of the member groups of "Megurumma," led by representative Katsuyo Kurabayashi. Participants will return to the farm at each session and observe the vegetables growing over time.
Minna no Hatake de Negi Negi Farming Experience (1st Session) — Event Details
- Date: Saturday, May 30, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (Held in light rain; canceled in severe weather)
- Location: "Minna no Hatake" adjacent to Isesaki City Sakai Goshi Community Center (862-3 Sakai Shimotakeshi, Isesaki City)
(Parking available at the neighboring Sakai General Athletic Field Parking Lot — 846 Sakai Kamitakeshi, Isesaki City) - Participants: Approximately 70 Pal System Gunma member families
- Activities: Planting red onion and sweet potato seedlings, farmwork including crop care
Upcoming Schedule:
- June 13 (Sat) and June 20 (Sat) — "Farm Care Sessions": Weeding and potato harvesting
- July 11 (Sat) — "Mame Mame Course" 2nd session: Edamame and corn harvest
- November 7 (Sat) — "Negi Negi Course" 2nd session: Red onion and sweet potato harvest with tastings
Alongside the "Negi Negi Course," a parallel "Mame Mame Course" focused on edamame is also running simultaneously.
Connecting Regional Agriculture and Food Culture to the Next Generation
"Megurumma" is a council established by Pal System Gunma together with three production groups in the prefecture — "Yasai Kurabu" (Showa Village), "Kurabuchi Kusa no Kai" (Takasaki City), and "Tonegawa Seisansha Group" (Isesaki City) — along with the Pal System Federation. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026, the council welcomed three new full member organizations this year.
The council promotes sustainable agriculture, healthy living, and vibrant local communities through a range of activities showcasing the appeal of Gunma.
Under the "Megurumma 2035 Vision," the council deepens mutual understanding between consumers and producers through direct exchanges and the promotion of locally grown produce.
