### History of the Agricultural Land Revival Project - Hitachinaka City and Naka City, Ibaraki Prefecture - April 2007 to the 2020s

### History of the Agricultural Land Revival Project - Hitachinaka City and Naka City, Ibaraki Prefecture - April 2007 to the 2020s

#### 2007: Project Initiation
In April 2007, a project to revitalize idle farmland began in Nakane, Hitachinaka City, and Sugaya, Naka City, Ibaraki Prefecture. The initiative aimed to maintain farmland and promote the health of elderly residents. Led by "Nihon No-Ken," a variety development company headquartered in Hitachinaka City, the project utilized approximately 2 hectares of farmland. A total of 80 volunteers (40 from each area) were involved in agricultural activities, cultivating 2 tons of potatoes, 1.5 tons of carrots, and 1 ton of onions. Harvested crops were shared with participants, with some sold through JA Hitachinaka, generating annual revenue of about 50,000 yen, which was allocated to purchasing farming equipment and covering operational costs. This project marked a significant step toward community revitalization and sustainable agriculture.

#### 2010s: Project Expansion
During the 2010s, the project expanded further. In Hitachinaka City, the target farmland area increased to approximately 5 hectares, and new crops, such as strawberries and blueberries, were introduced as local specialties. The annual harvest included 3 tons of strawberries and 2 tons of blueberries, generating around 300,000 yen in revenue through local direct sales and agritourism. In Naka City, the "Farmland Matching Program" was launched, connecting about 20 lending farmers with 10 new farmers, addressing the regional shortage of agricultural workers.

#### 2020s: Ongoing Efforts
In the 2020s, digital agriculture technologies advanced, promoting smart farming. In Hitachinaka City, IoT-based water management systems improved potato production efficiency by approximately 20%. In Naka City, drones for fertilizer application reduced labor time by about 30%. The project area expanded to about 10 hectares, with annual crop yields exceeding 20 tons. Revenues reached around 500,000 yen annually, further contributing to local development.

#### Current Situation and Challenges
According to the 2020 Agriculture and Forestry Census, Ibaraki Prefecture had approximately 2000 hectares of idle farmland, with about 10% concentrated in Hitachinaka City and Naka City. Utilizing farmland effectively remains a critical issue for sustainable regional development, with measures supported by subsidies from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries.

#### Future Prospects
Building on this project, Hitachinaka City and Naka City are expected to enhance agricultural revitalization and regional development by leveraging their unique characteristics. Specific plans include expanding the farmland area to 15 hectares by 2025, increasing annual yields to 30 tons, and generating 1 million yen in revenue. Further development of smart agriculture, local product branding, and agritourism is anticipated to contribute to regional economic growth.