What's JAEC?
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The Chairman's Message
In response to these changes, our agricultural challenge is to orientate
itself towards a more productive and economically viable industry. As a
prerequisite for that purpose, it is incumbent upon us to develop aspiring
farmers who have the entrepreneurial knowledge and aptitude. They must
have a keen sense of management and be well-prepared to respond positively
to innovative technologies.
In the meantime, developed countries in the international community are
required to share in the responsibility of supporting the economic development
of developing countries. In view of the fact that the latter relies highly
upon agriculture, it is of great importance to further international agriculture
cooperation.
Against the background of such an international environment surrounding
Japan's agriculture, the Japan Agriculture Exchange Council was established
in March, 1988.
The objectives of the Council are to offer our young farmers the opportunities of learning management skills and acquainting themselves with a wider field of international awareness. Upon returning home, they are expected to contribute a great deal toward furthering the development of our local agriculture by making the best of use their newly acquired training experiences. They are expected to become the main stay of Japan's agriculture.
Another objective of the Council is to offer aspiring young farmers from developing countries the opportunities of experiencing Japanese agriculture and farm life through staying at our farmers' homes. The Council was formed by the consolidation of the following organizations:
The Association for International Collaboration of Farmers, Japan, established
in 1952, which operated programs of dispatching agricultural trainees abroad
as well as hosting those from abroad ; and The Japanese Agricultural Training
Council, established in 1966, (its predecessor dates back to 1956) which
operated programs of dispatching agricultural trainees to the United States.
This was done in an attempt to assure further program developments and
to strengthen their existing ones. It is my firm belief that the Council
will benefit from the combined years of achievements and experiences represented
by these two organizations. It will contribute greatly towards enhancing
the abilities of our young farmers who are expected to bear the responsibility
of Japan's agricultural future. Furthermore, we will be able to contribute
greatly towards helping promote and accelerate agricultural development
in developing countries, international exchange of farmers and thus world
peace.
Shinichiro Asao
Chairman
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OVERSEAS AGRICULTURAL TRAINING PROGRAMS
1. OVERSEAS YOUNG JAPANESE FARMERS TRAINING PROGRAM
JAEC sends agricultural trainees to agriculturally advanced countries under the 1 – 2 year program. They follow farm training and join lecture courses.
Upon return to Japan, they are expected to be leading farmers equipped
with global perspectives, technological and managerial capabilities as
well as strong leadership in their communities. These youths will also
contribute to international exchange and cooperation.
Approximately 14,000 trainees have been sent to countries in North &
South America and Europe since 1952, when the program started .
2. SHORT-TERM FOREIGN AGRICULTURE STUDY PROGRAM
This program provides community leaders and advanced farmers (men and women) with opportunities to observe and study the latest status of farm production and marketing, environmental protection, animal product processing, horticultural therapy, etc. on short-term visits of foreign countries.
The program is intended to train talented people, with an international perspective, who will contribute to the agricultural development of their communities and promote international exchange.
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| YOUNG FOREIGN FARMERS TRAINING PROGRAM IN JAPAN
1. ASEAN YOUNG FARM LEADERS TRAINING PROGRAM IN JAPAN
This program hosts agricultural trainees from ASEAN countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand). They learn latest agricultural technology and management skills through practical on-farm training and lecture sessions. This program is also aimed at promoting mutual cultural understanding and friendship through personal contacts with the Japanese farmers in the local communities.
Since 1983, the total number of trainees who have completed the program exceeded 1,200 persons.
2. EUROPEAN YOUNG FARMERS TRAINING PROGRAM IN JAPAN
The program is implemented as a part of the two-way exchange program with European countries, where JAEC sends Japanese trainees. European youths are trained on farm. In addition, they contribute to mutual understanding and friendship through contacts with community people.
The program is being implemented since 1978. |
| PROGRAMS FOR PROMOTING FARM MANAGEMENT STUDY
1. STUDY OF INTERNATIONAL MARKETING OF FARM COMMODITIES
Seminars and workshops are organized for information exchange and discussions
concerning overseas agriculture with a view to attaining internationally
competitive agriculture. Participants are: farm community leaders, advanced
farmers, potential entrants to farming, etc.
2. INFORMATION AND SERVICES
JAEC publishes a semi-annual magazine “The New Farmers”, other papers and
documents. JAEC also provides services as requested by farmers, trainees,
etc. concerned with farm exchange programs. |
| PROGRAMS/PROJECTS CONCERNED WITH GROBAL AGRICULTURE
JAEC undertakes wide-ranging activities for supplementing the above-mentioned
activities and promoting international cooperation. It also accepts requests
from Government agencies and non-governmental organizations/institutions
for occasional studies and other services as long as JAEC regulations permit. |
| GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE COUNCIL
1. ESTABLISHMENT
The Association for International Collaboration of Farmers, Japan (est.
1952) and the Japanese Agricultural Training Council (est. 1966) were consolidated
in an attempt to assure the further development and strengthening of the
programs. As a result, the Japan Agricultural Exchange Council (JAEC),
the incorporated nonprofit organization, was established on March 30, 1988.
2. ADMINISTERING GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
- Consular and Migration Policy Division, Consular Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Agricultural Extension Service, Women and Youth Affairs Division, Management Improvement Bureau, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
3. OBJECTIVES
The goals of the Council’s activities are to offer Japanese farm youth the opportunities to cultivate their international awareness and to expand their abilities with experiences they have as overseas agricultural trainees. The Council also conducts agricultural training programs in Japan for farm youths of foreign countries, so that they can become core farmers in their respective countries. The programs are conducted with the objective of contributing to agricultural development both in Japan and abroad. These programs is intended to promote the international exchange of farmers and eventually to contribute to the world’s peace and harmonious prosperity.
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